Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.0.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # StoneWater Zen Centre ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Sangha Posts](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/blog/) - This is where we invite you, the Sangha members, to contribute your short articles on your experiences, ideas or readings that you feel will interest others. Send these direct to Sōjin Sensei at sojinstonewaterzen@gmail.com or via the contact page. Posts will be linked and publicised in general mailings, Facebook and Twitter. Comments may be made - [Manu Daishin Bazzano - The Affect Therapy Manifesto](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2026/05/manu-daishin-bazzano-the-affect-therapy-manifesto/) - Manu Daishin Bazzano Sensei, one of our teachers within Stonewater Zen Sangha, has a new book out. "Psychotherapy has lost its way. It is no longer involved with individual, socio-political, and spiritual transformation. It has bent over backwards to the demands of neoliberal ideology, a warped worldview that sees humans as cogs in the wheels - [Jeremy Ryōkan Woodcock Sensei - Finding Ourselves in Deep Waters: Buddhism. Psychotherapy and the Contemporary World](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2026/05/jeremy-ryokan-woodcock-sensei-finding-ourselves-in-deep-waters-buddhism-psychotherapy-and-the-contemporary-world/) - Jeremy Ryōkan Woodcock Sensei, one of our teachers within Stonewater Zen Sangha, has a new book out. It is published by Mud Pie Books, a small specialist Buddhist publisher in Oxford in the UK, and also available on Amazon: https://mudpiebooks.com/books-authors/finding-ourselves-in-deep-waters/ "This book offers a transformative set of metaphors that invite the curious general reader, psychotherapists - [Byron Seido Adams - What Matters Most to Me in My Practice](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2026/05/byron-seido-adams-what-matters-most-to-me-in-my-practice/) - When I look at my practice these days, what feels most important to me is very simple: Authentic experience. In my life, that’s the thread that keeps everything honest. I first came to practice about six years ago, when the thought of losing a parent shook something loose in me. It wasn’t dramatic, but it - [Gordon Gaho Tyrall - What Feels Important About Practice](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2026/05/gordon-gaho-tyrall-what-feels-important-about-practice/) - I came to Zen, and Buddhism generally, through reading. I came across Peter Matthiessen’s book The Snow Leopard when it came out in the 1970s. I’d never heard of Zen, but I was intrigued, and then read Zen Flesh, Zen Bones—another cult classic. Then more and more reading. Then I went for a long trip - [Ed Howard - Contemplation Within Activity](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2026/05/ed-howard-contemplation-within-activity/) - In August 2000, I completed a short retreat at the Eiheiji monastery. At the time, I was caught between two paths. One was to remain in Japan, where I’d been teaching English for five years, and follow a monastic route. The other was to return to the UK and fulfil a promise I had made - [Manu Daishin Bazzano Sensei - Notes on Receiving Dharma Transmission on March 15th, 2026](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2026/03/manu-daishin-bazzano-sensei-notes-on-receiving-dharma-transmission-on-march-15th-2026/) - In the daffodil days, as a harsh western wind beats on our transient frames, On the Ides of March, as the world burns with renewed aggression and new layers of senselessness, a flower blooms in the heartmind of the ten thousand things, indigestible flower of the Dharma, seeded through 80-100 generations, witnessed by cancer cells - [Buddha Sees Everything](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2026/01/buddha-sees-everything/) - We have been contacted by Ciska Shizuka Matthes, who started her Zen pracrice with Genpo Roshi's Kanzeon Sangha in the 1990s, about a book she has recently published about her Zen training in Japen. We are sharing the information here in case of interest to you. She says "Last year, I published the translation of - [Guro Shoshin Huby - These Old Zen Masters: a rant and a reflection.](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2025/12/guro-shoshin-huby-these-old-zen-masters-a-rant-and-a-reflection/) - Soto, Rinzai, accuracy of aim and ways to desperation - By Guro Shoshin, Annoyed of Norway Zen lore goes back 1000s of years and reaches into the realm of myth. It is full of tales of wonder and mystery that are beautiful, puzzling, provoking and poetic. But then some of it can be unbelievably and downright - [Stuart Gendai Hollyoak - A Dragon’s Lair](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2025/12/stuart-gendai-hollyoak-a-dragons-lair-2/) - In the open air, it was difficult to hear Manu’s instructions clearly. Together, some 15 or 20 of us, barefoot on a field in unseasonably warm weather, followed his direction to become unfamiliar, estranged even, from our bodies. We unlearned how to move our limbs and how to hoist ourselves up against gravity. We moved - [Manu Bazzano - Soul Kitchen](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2025/12/manu-bazzano-soul-kitchen/) - Shake the dust off your feet, don't look back. Nothing now can hold you down, nothing that you lack Bob Dylan, Pressing On One October morning in 2005, I sat in a café in Salt Lake City with my good friend, the Zen priest and Jungian analyst Stephen Proskauer. I was in Utah for a - [In Memory of Will Hozan Lovell (1943-2025) - Alasdair Taisen Gordon-Finlayson](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2025/09/in-memory-of-will-hozan-lovell-1943-2025-alasdair-taisen-gordon-finlayson/) - It is with great sadness that I share the news that my friend and sangha companion Will Hozan Lovell died peacefully on Wednesday 10th September 2025, after a period of illness. I met Will on the very first night that we started the StoneWater Zen Northampton group. He came along with his friend Lorna Kokai - [Dheeresh Turnbull Sensei - Cancer, Aikido, Big Mind, and Zen - a personal reflection](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2025/07/dheeresh-turnbull-sensei/) - ‘Fighting cancer’ I discovered recently that my prostate cancer has come back. When my prostate was removed in 2021, they said they’d got all of it. But apparently some escaped. I did big mind with the cancer before that operation, and it said, “I’ll get you if I can”. When I thought I was - [Charlie Lowther - Presonance](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2025/07/charlie-lowther-presonance/) - This is a poem to mark the jukai ceremony at Fell End. Let life do you let it take you by the hand as you dance in tune and fall through the sinking sand into a world of love revealed in a broken heart where fear is gone once you are no longer apart - [Daniel Kōjin Gallagher Sensei - Tenzo Confidential: Notes From the Kitchen](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2025/05/daniel-kojin-gallagher-sensei-tenzo-confidential-notes-from-the-kitchen/) - In the early years of his practice, Kōjin served as the tenzo during a retreat in the USA. What follows is a tongue-in-cheek account of his experience. -Ed. As the tenzo on a winter Zen retreat, my role is to nourish the sangha in both body and spirit. Mostly, though, it involves leftovers, suspicion, and - [Max Bojarski - My Practice](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2025/05/max-bojarski-my-practice/) - My practice is the act of being lost and coming back. It’s a constant journey of drifting in and out of awareness, caught in my own body, mind and ego. I am lost in the swirl of my thoughts, emotions, cravings and distractions, believing in the reality of what I see, feel and think. But - [Stuart Gendai Hollyoak - A Dragon's Lair](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2025/05/stuart-gendai-hollyoak-a-dragons-lair/) - In the open air, it was difficult to hear Manu’s instructions clearly. Together, some 15 or 20 of us, barefoot on a field in unseasonably warm weather, followed his direction to become unfamiliar, estranged even, from our bodies. We unlearned how to move our limbs and how to hoist ourselves up against gravity. We moved - [Manu Myōshin Bazzano - The tears of things](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2025/05/manu-myoshin-bazzano-the-tears-of-things/) - The car radio on the way to the station after sesshin on this early April morning is playing Smokey Robinson’s “The Tracks of My Tears.” A tender tune, strangely attuned to where I find myself after one of the most intense sesshins in 30 years of practice. A vale of tears, a place where hope, - [Guro Shoshin Huby - Moments and time](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2025/05/guro-shoshin-huby-moments-and-time/) - Long ago, when the World-Honoured One was at Mount Grdhrakuta to give a talk, he held up a flower for the assemblage. At this, all remained silent. The Venerable Kasho alone broke into a smile. The World-Honoured One said: “I have the all-pervading True Dharma, incomparable Nirvana, exquisite teaching of formless form. It does not - [Shuso Sesshin Sitting Blues. A lament for budding Buddhists by Richard Harris](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2025/01/shuso-seshin-sitting-blues-a-lament-for-budding-buddhists-by-richard-harris/) - Richard wrote this on sesshin last summer and dedicates it to all sangha members especially Colin, the summer Shuso I’m sitting here in silence And waiting for the bell To relieve my suffering body From this self-inflicted hell Of pain and angst and heartache I’ve dredged up on the way. I’m struggling to work it - [Crosby sesshin](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2025/04/crosby-sesshin/) - Here is the group photograph from the end of sesshin. More photographs will be in the photo albums page soon. - [Who are these women? Explaining the female names in our dedication chant - Miranda Wayu Forward and Sarah Kokai Thwaites on behalf of the StoneWater Zen Women Ancestors Group](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2017/06/who-are-these-women-explaining-the-female-names-in-our-dedication-chant-miranda-wayu-forward-and-sarah-kokai-thwaites-on-behalf-of-the-stonewater-zen-women-ancestors-group/) - In 2016 the names of 4 female ancestors were added to the dedication chanted in StoneWater services alongside 5 male ancestors, including the Buddha himself. Previously the dedication paid tribute to women ‘lost and forgotten’. With a resurgence of interest in female ancestors and the publication of several notable books on this subject (see references - [Orchestral Manoeuvres in (and out of) the Zendo - Manu Myōshin Bazzano](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2024/12/orchestral-manoeuvres-in-and-out-of-the-zendo-manu-myoshin-bazzano/) - I’ve heard Roshi mention a few times the ‘vertical’ nature of our practice—from teacher to student, a bloodline travelling through many generations. For practitioners acquainted with ‘secular’ expressions of the Dharma (as I was when I left traditional practice for a time after studying for ten years with my teacher, Genpo Roshi), this avowedly religious - [Too Much Baggage - Mokuin Sensei](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2024/12/too-much-baggage-mokuin-sensei/) - It was while I was a resident at Yokoji Zen Mountain Center that I completed the Blue Cliff Record (J: Hekiganroku), the classic koan collection compiled by Setchō Jusen (980–1052). I decided it might be useful to collate my numerous scribbled notes, phrases and poetic allegories into some cohesive order. With time and study, I - [A Special Transmission Outside the Teachings - Shinro Sensei](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2024/12/a-special-transmission-outside-the-teachings-shinro-sensei/) - It was a great pleasure to be present and participate when Keizan Rōshi gave Denkai and Denbō to Dan Kōjin Bushin Gallagher on 30 October 2024. When thinking about the preparations for Dharma Transmission, I began to reflect on our lineage and the ceremony's general significance for a talk during the sesshin. What follows is - [Interview with Roshi in the Liverpool Echo](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2024/08/interview-with-roshi-in-the-liverpool-echo/) - This week Roshi has been featured in the Liverpool Echo with this interview. The founder of one of Liverpool's most fabled bars is sending a message of acceptance, kindness and compassion in an ever polarised world. David Scott, who founded the original Everyman Bistro with business partner Paddy Byrne, runs the Stonewater Zen Centre, which - [New book by Tim Zenki Steel](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2024/07/new-book-by-tim-zenki-steel/) - Awakenings is a non-fiction hands-on look at the human condition, the causes of suffering, what can be done about them and how to take up help in the pursuit of its resolve. "I wrote the book as a response to the increased suffering I see around me in my life caused by the isolation experienced - [Musings of a Second-Generation Mystic - Emily Koshin Oliver](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2024/06/musings-of-a-second-generation-mystic-emily-koshin-oliver/) - I use that word without fully understanding what it means. A seeker? Spiritual quester? Searcher of Truth – and finder of it too? My mum has just published a book called Diaries of a Young Mystic, which reveals her to be all of the above. She recently rediscovered her diaries from the 70s, having landed - [At Home Everywhere - Manu Myōshin Bazzano](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2024/06/at-home-everywhere-manu-myoshin-bazzano/) - Witnessing a tokudo ceremony gets me every time. At the Spring sesshin this year I heard Roshi say that receiving the homeless vows implies, among other things, being at home everywhere. An attractive suggestion. And a difficult task. It brings up memories of long flights, of giving in at last (after idle movie-watching and desiccated - [Beauty and Doubt in Thailand - Emily Koshin Oliver](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2024/06/beauty-and-doubt-in-thailand-emily-koshin-oliver/) - This time last year I was in Thailand, embarking on a two-month stint that became everything I didn’t know I was looking for. I kept diaries of my reflections, particularly throughout a stay in a Vipassana temple, and started to write up a piece on my return which I eventually abandoned. It feels personally apt - [Book Review by Clive Tenryu Lindley-Jones of Matthieu Ricard's Notebooks of a Wandering Monk](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2024/06/book-review-by-clive-tenryu-lindley-jones-of-matthieu-ricards-notebooks-of-a-wandering-monk/) - Notebooks of a Wandering Monk by Matthieu Ricard, (Translated by Jesse Browner. 2023. 702pp. Hardback £28.00) This is a giant, magnificent book in weight and its import, depth, and unique and extraordinary viewpoint. Matthieu Ricard gives us an intimate insider's perception of the world of Tibetan Buddhism over its last half-century journey and beyond. This - [What is the purpose of Zen monks wearing robes?- Alasdair Taisen Gordon-Finlayson](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2024/03/what-is-the-purpose-of-zen-monks-wearing-robes-alasdair-taisen-gordon-finlayson/) - The title of this is a question I was asked online about a year ago, and I’ve just stumbled across my answer to it. We touch on the idea of ritual, ceremony and ‘the form’ from time to time in Northampton, especially when people come to their first sit with a service! Usually, I answer - [Visiting speaker / book reading Liverpool zendo - 20th March](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2024/02/visiting-speaker-book-reading-liverpool-zendo-20th-march/) - On Wednesday 20th March there will be a change to the regular schedule. After one period of meditation, Alan Lessik, an author and Zen student in the Shunryu Suzuki Roshi Soto Zen linage, will be reading from his new Zen novel, Make the Dark Night Shine. Inspired by his Aunt Nina Uchida´s family story, Make - [The "10,000 Things of Western Zen" - Alasdair Taisen Gordon-Finlayson](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2024/02/the-10000-things-of-western-zen-alasdair-taisen-gordon-finlayson/) - Dear sangha member, I am a researcher at the University of Northampton, UK, and as you might know, I am also a Zen practitioner in the StoneWater Sangha. I received tokudo in 2011, and was made 'Hoshi' last year by Keizan Roshi, who's graciously permitted me to send out this call for help with my new research project, which - [Some Reflections on Ritual in Zen - Tony Shinro Doubleday Sensei](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2023/12/some-reflections-on-ritual-in-zen-tony-shinro-doubleday-sensei/) - East Barn Zendo exists so that people may come together to practise zazen (meditation) in the Zen Buddhist tradition promulgated by Hakuyu Taizan Maezumi Roshi (1931-1995). For this reason, the zendo (meditation room) has a Buddhist altar as its focus, towards which we bow and chant. Some people are disconcerted by the idea that in - [Intimacy - Jeremy Ryōkan Sensei, 26th October, 2023 at Fell End, Teisho.](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2023/12/intimacy-jeremy-ryokan-sensei-26th-october-2023-at-fell-end-teisho/) - This was a teisho given 26th October, 2023 at Fell End Thank you for your welcome, it’s such joy to be among you as part of the StoneWater sangha, thank you for the beautiful open heartedness you offered in Daisan, it feels like something of the measure of practice here and says something deeply wonderful - [Let’s get naked… Mark Kogan Shawcroft](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2023/12/lets-get-naked-mark-kogen-shawcroft/) - I have recently been reading Yoka Daishi’s ‘Realising the Way’. One line that really struck me was “Just cast of the dirty old clothes you treasure and don’t boast of your pure living to others”. Firstly, I thought about appearance and how we all kind of have our own look: Hipster, Punk, Farmer, Golfer, Teacher, - [Mu, Dogs and Buddha Nature - Tony Shinro Doubleday Sensei](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2023/12/mu-dogs-and-buddha-nature-tony-shinro-doubleday-sensei/) - A monk asked, “Does a dog have Buddha Nature or not?” Jōshū answered, “Mu!” Joshu’s Mu is the first of 48 cases or kōan appearing in the Gateless Gate kōan collection (the Mumonkan) complied by Mumon Ekai (1183-1260), in 1228. It’s also the first case in the 200 introductory kōan studied by students working with - [Jeremy Ryokan Sensei](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2023/04/jeremy-ryokan-sensei/) - Jeremy Ryokan Sensei was given dharma transmission by Fr Patrick Eastman Kundo Roshi, founder of the Wild Goose Sangha in 2016. In April 2023 Ryokan received Shukke Tokudo from Keizan Roshi and joined Stonewater Zen Sangha. The inner life and the mystery of life fascinated and spoke to Jeremy from his teenage years. It emerged - [Tears of Attachment: A reflection on spring sesshin 2023 - Richard Harris](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2023/06/tears-of-attachment-a-reflection-on-spring-sesshin-2023-richard-harris/) - It had been 10 years since my last sesshin at Fell End. In the intervening years I had continued my practice ploughing a lone furrow but with regular contact with Suigen Sensei, my teacher. Like many Sangha members, I experienced immense support through sitting via Zoom from pandemic times onward. My world had changed during - [Roshi's The Great Outdoors (TGO) crossing of the Highlands](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2019/05/roshis-the-great-outdoors-tgo-crossing-of-the-highlands/) - Dear Folks, Thank you for the support and interest some of you have shown in the TGO backpacking challenge I recently undertook crossing the Scottish Highlands from the west to the east coast. And especial thanks for the down jacket I bought with money given to me by the sangha to mark becoming a Roshi. It - ['A personal reflection on showing up' by Dorinda Cho'on Talbot](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2017/07/a-personal-reflection-on-showing-up-by-dorinda-talbot/) - When I was offered the opportunity to give a talk at our London day of Zen recently, I decided to choose the topic suggested by the SWZ Newsletter editors: Woody Allen said "Eighty per cent of success is showing up, and often inspiration waits until you do." The editors went on to say that someone - [Fetch water, chop wood, make tea](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2010/08/fetch-water-chop-wood-make-tea/) - A story from John Suigen's life that includes this great paragraph: "Sudden, unwanted and dramatic life events can at times be a real challenge in my zen practice. Being told that such events are "a good life koan," or that "Now! ...is the time to practice" has the same flavour of being reminded that there are people in the world with much bigger problems than you. You know it to be true but it doesn't seem to take you anywhere at the time." - [Retreat Etiquette - a basic guide to going on retreat](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2011/07/retreat-etiquette-a-basic-guide-to-going-on-retreat/) - Newcomers and lay retreat etiquette for sesshin - [Interdependence](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2017/09/interdependence/) - The question Sensei posed for the next edition of the newsletter was ‘When your mind changes, the world changes. And when we respond differently to the world, the world responds differently to us.’ - David Loy. We invited reflections on whether people had found this to be the case or not in their life and - [Reflections of a shuso](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2017/09/reflections-of-a-shuso/) - During Alasdair's month in the Lakes as shuso (head monk), he posted each week on the StoneWater Zen Northampton blog. Here, is a collation of the posts for those of you who missed them. And off he goes.. So I leave for the Lakes tomorrow to start my four week training period as shuso or 'head - [Reflections of a shuso](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2017/09/reflections-of-a-shuso/) - During Alasdair's month in the Lakes as shuso (head monk), he posted each week on the StoneWater Zen Northampton blog. Here, is a collation of the posts for those of you who missed them. And off he goes.. So I leave for the Lakes tomorrow to start my four week training period as shuso or 'head - [Roshi - A Diary, Zen Mountain Center August 2005](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2020/11/roshi-a-diary-zen-mountain-center-august-2005/) - As part of a series of posts about sesshin gathered for the StoneWater Zen newsletter, here Roshi shares a very condensed diary of three weeks spent at Zen Mountain Center, California, August 4th, leave Manchester Airport 12 noon. Arrive Ontario airport, Los Angeles, 8pm, eight hours behind UK time. Tenshin meets me. Drive through desert - [First sesshin](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2010/10/first-sesshin/) - I had been sitting for six months with this group and decided to go on my first sesshin. I had heard Tenshin give a talk a few months before. He had made a deep impression on me. Something about his way of being conveyed a level of wisdom and spirituality that I felt drawn to and wanted to know more about. I wanted to deepen my practice and I had a few burning questions that I was taking into interview with Dave - to do with the nature of life and death and the meaning of existence. I thought that I might get some of these answered on sesshin. - [Ringsfield was a pain!](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2013/08/ringsfield-was-a-pain/) - Sitting with aches and pains and occasional discomfort is a normal part of Zen practice, something I would just sit with, incorporating it into my practice. A raging toothache however, was for me an altogether different situation. It began the second day we arrived at Ringsfield Hall, the beautiful rural setting of the Suffolk sesshin. - [Where is the Dharma? Looking for the teaching on the cushion and in everyday life - Colin Shinjo Salmon](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2021/11/where-is-the-dharma-looking-for-the-teaching-on-the-cushion-and-in-everyday-life-colin-shinjo-salmon/) - “The Dharma, incomparably profound and infinitely subtle, is rarely encountered even in millions of ages.”- from the Sutra Opening Gatha “The Buddha’s Dharma has this good reputation; it is well expounded by the Blessed One, visible here and now, inviting one to come and inspect it, applicable, to be personally experienced by sensible people.” - from - ['Zen in my daily life, my daily life in Zen' by Rhys.](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2016/12/zen-in-my-daily-life-my-daily-life-in-zen-by-rhys/) - ‘Zen practice came into my life in December 2015 when I nervously attended a beginners session at StoneWater run by Suigen. It then took me five months to get to the point where I had to take up sitting as a fully integrated part of my routine. I had no choice – there was no - [Paying it Forward & Manifesting the priest's foundations in my everyday life.](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2016/02/paying-it-forward-manifesting-the-priests-foundations-in-to-my-everyday-life/) - Since my ordination in 2014 my business Team Mushin CIC has grown from strength to strength, and I have struggled to attend regular Zen practice at StoneWater, and most times only attending two seshins per year and attending StoneWater one day a week, work permitting. Adam and I first opened the gym in 2011 it - [Changing my mind, changing my world - Suzanne Tsuko Adey](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2017/10/changing-my-mind-changing-my-world-suzanne-tsuko-adey/) - Here we have another contribution on the theme of "Changing my mind, changing my world", this time a lovely piece by Suzanne Tsuko Adey: I grew up with a very dim view of my father. Growing up he was often aggressive and rude. As a child I feared him and as an adult I avoided - [Jukai at Hayes, Kent, 14 January 2023 - Shinro Sensei](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2023/01/jukai-at-hayes-kent-14-january-2023-shinro-sensei/) - I was very happy to be able to give the precepts to Sheila Seijo (Active Samadhi) Hoare, Roisin Seiryu (Becoming like Willow) Barry, Mark Sekishin (Sincere Heart) Thynne and Ted Joshin (Pure Heart) Allpress at the zendo of Tim Zenki Steel, on 14 January 2023. Sheila is a long term Zen student with StoneWater Zen - [Alasdair Taisen Gordon-Finlayson - Shariputra and the Thicket of Views](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2022/12/alasdair-taisen-gordon-finlayson-shariputra-and-the-thicket-of-views/) - (Statue of Shariputra from Mahamevnawa Amawatura Monastery in Kandy, Sri Lanka) Just some reflections on a Saturday morning... I was watching a video about Shariputra - a fascinating video that explores what we know about the man himself, who he studied with before meeting the Buddha, his role in the Buddhist sangha, his enlightenment... and - [Guro Shoshin Huby - Reading about Zen: Reflections on China Root, Taoism,Cha’n and Original Zen by David Hinton. Shambala 2020.](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2022/12/guro-shoshin-huby-reading-about-zen-reflections-on-china-root-taoismchan-and-original-zen-by-david-hinton-shambala-2020/) - Why and how do we read about Zen, Buddhism and Buddhist practice? Indeed, is reading a good thing, or will this detract from the focus on an experience-based practice? Francis Dojun Cook in How to Raise an Ox makes the point that reading and talking about texts is not necessarily a different activity from washing - [Managing conscious connection](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2014/11/managing-conscious-connection/) - Are you - like me - an internet addict? How does this affect our Zen practice, and does this matter? One of the things I discovered on the month long August retreat was the extent of my dependency on my devices and on the internet. Coming back, I found that I am not alone. One - [Living and Training on Okinawa](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2012/02/living-and-training-on-okinawa/) - Keizan Sensei describes some of his experiences while training on Okinawa with Sensei Kanei Uechi in 1975. See also pictures added to album section. - [Representations of religions and faiths](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2015/02/representations-of-religions-and-faiths/) - When the enormous Bamayan statues of the Buddha were destroyed in 2001, my friends expected me, as a Buddhist, to be horrified and offended. My response was rather different : I couldn't understand why these destroyers could be so angered by ancient pieces of rock. You can visit this page to learn more about it. - [History and teaching tradition of StoneWater Zen](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2022/05/history-and-teaching-tradition-of-stonewater-zen/) - Stonewater Zen Sangha and Keizan Scott Roshi Stonewater Zen Sangha is led by David Keizan Scott Roshi, a Dharma successor within the lineage of the founder of the Zen Center of Los Angeles, the Venerable Taizan Maezumi Roshi (1931-1995). Keizan Sensei is the UK and European representative to the White Plum Sangha, the international network - [A short history of StoneWater Zen Sangha and the lineage of Taizan Maezumi Roshi in the UK](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2022/05/a-short-history-of-stonewater-zen-sangha-and-the-lineage-of-taizan-maezumi-roshi-in-the-uk/) - The beginnings of the lineage of Taizan Maezumi Roshi (1931-1995) in the UK date back to the early 1980s, when Colin Fuko and Sumi Ryoko Barber set up the Zen Practice Centre in their home in Dulwich, in south-east London. Both had trained with Maezumi Roshi in the USA and Sumi says that Colin’s dream - [There is Zen - and then there is StoneWater: reflections on lineage as “home” - Guro Shoshin Huby](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2022/05/there-is-zen-and-then-there-is-stonewater-reflections-on-lineage-as-home-guro-shoshin-huby/) - What is a lineage? It has a name, denoting a tradition, a teacher’s efforts and experience, a particular slant on the teachings, a version of form, a certain way of doing things and expressing the dharma. At a personal level I find that a lineage speaks to who I am, or rather, how I want - [Honouring our female ancestors - Sarah Kokai Thwaites](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2022/05/honouring-our-female-ancestors-sarah-kokai-thwaites/) - At Jukai, people who are receiving the precepts are given a lineage chart (kechimyaku) which shows their new dharma name at a long end of a blood line going back to the historical Buddha. Look closer and the line is actually a loop with no end and no beginning. One of the children attending our - [Ancestors - Clive Tenryu Lindley-Jones](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2022/05/ancestors-clive-tenryu-lindley-jones/) - “In each eon there are at least a few individuals who understand what man’s (or woman’s) real task consists of and keep its traditions for future generations and a time when insight has reached a deeper and more general level. First the way of a few will be changed and in a few generations there - [Andy  Lloyd's favourite Zen books - 'Everyday Zen' and 'Nothing Special' by Charlotte Joko Beck](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2022/02/andy-lloyds-favourite-zen-books-everyday-zen-and-nothing-special-by-charlotte-joko-beck/) - I often think of Zen books as something like the fourth treasure, combining with the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha treasures in a handy, go anywhere package. As a newbie to Zen practice, I've only scratched the surface of the countless titles available, but feel my practice has benefited immensely from what little I have read. - [On Pain](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2015/03/on-pain/) - by Stuart Hollyoak Before I was a Buddhist I was a Stoic. What attracted me to Stoicism was that it promised invulnerability. It was a great prospect to experience no pain and go about life without any fear of losing control. To avoid pain is a desire common to all sentient beings so why not - [Aspects of Buddhist practice I find problematic - Sarah Kokai Thwaites](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2022/01/aspects-of-buddhist-practice-i-find-problematic-sarah-kokai-thwaites/) - This for me is rebirth. I find it impossible to believe in reincarnation, literal interpretations of rebirth and versions of karma associated with these. I wrote this some months ago and found spending some time reflecting on the implications of this for my life and practice valuable, kickstarting another strand of practice. I’ll come - [‘Buddha meets Buddha in everyday life’ - Suigen Sensei](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2021/11/buddha-meets-buddha-in-everyday-life-suigen-sensei/) - After an extended period of zazen such as a one or two day zazenkai or a full week sesshin, a familiar question often pops up: How do I bring this experience and state of mind into my everyday life? We may have experienced a sense of wellbeing, peace, oneness, stillness during our sitting. We may - [The interplay of practice and daily life - Sarah Kokai Thwaites](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2021/11/the-interplay-of-practice-and-daily-life-sarah-kokai-thwaites/) - I’ve found it quite difficult to think of a response to this question; how life and practice interplay isn’t something I spend time thinking about. It wasn’t until I sat down to write this that I realised that I don’t see daily life and practice life as clearly defined. In previous years I would have - [Joanna Lumley and the spiritual life...](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2016/07/joanna-lumley-and-the-spiritual-life/) - We asked two questions recently: what motivated you to follow a spiritual life? And how do you measure the benefits of practice? Here, Celia Bryan responds: What motivated me to follow a spiritual life? My mother….and Joanna Lumley. My mother has been my greatest inspiration and motivation…..because I don’t want to be like her. - [Change to online schedule](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2021/09/change-to-online-schedule/) - Dear Folk, The Zoom schedule will no longer include joining in the live session at the Liverpool Zendo on Wednesday nights. After a trial we realised it didn’t work very well for either the Zoom participants or folk in the Zendo. The Wednesday nights on zoom will be suspended for the time being. Instead each Thursday - [Zoom sitting - Sarah Kokai Thwaites](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2021/08/zoom-sitting-sarah-kokai-thwaites/) - Six months before the pandemic, I attended a conference of the European Buddhist Union. It included a workshop about online dharma led by an American who worked with the youth network of Thich Nhat Hahn’s Plum Village sangha. I think he despaired at the lack of tech experience of our mostly middle-aged/older gathering of well-meaning - [No Edge - Stuart Gendai Hollyoak](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2021/08/no-edge-stuart-hollyoak/) - Once or twice in his Dharma talks throughout the pandemic Roshi has said that on Zoom there’s no edge to our practice. Many mornings I have crawled out of bed five minutes before a sitting and sat in my pyjamas. Many evenings I have declined an interview with a teacher because I told myself I - [Zoom keeps me regular - Rhys Jones](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2021/08/zoom-keeps-me-regular-rhys-jones/) - Zoom keeps me sitting regular You've seen and been the proof Without you I would not have done it My virtual inos in shashu Off the Way I had completely fallen Broadoak bedlam bound was I Then years it took to get back seated This is the truth and not a lie But - [Zoom sitting - Gordon Gaho Tyrall](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2021/08/zoom-sitting-gordon-gaho-tyrall/) - I was a bit slow joining the Zoom sessions. My first encounter with the platform was an Angulimala meeting (the Buddhist prison chaplaincy organisation which holds four meetings a year at the Forest Hermitage in Warwickshire under normal conditions). But I held back from the StoneWater sessions for a while for some reason. I’m reasonably - [Boxes -  Mark Kogan Shawcroft](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2021/08/boxes-mark-kogen-shawcroft/) - Scanning the green slopes below, I discuss the profound principle with the white cloud. Though the feeling of the wild is in mountains and waters, truly, I long for company of the way. (Hanshan) Driving past the fields turning yellow, What principle is this? The roadkill understands. Let go to hold on to heart. It - [In Memory (for Sharon Rinsho Ive) - Stuart Gendai Hollyoak](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2021/03/in-memory-for-sharon-rinsho-ive-stuart-hollyoak/) - A speechmaker, Carl W. Buehner, once wrote (in the context of speeches) that, “They may forget what you said but they will never forget how you made them feel”. Since we last met years before, I had forgotten Sharon’s name until I read Shinro Sensei’s obituary in the last newsletter and saw her photo. But - [StoneWater Zendo](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2010/09/stonewater-zendo/) - This week, a reflection and reminiscence from Ron Anzan Bell on time spent on retreat at the StoneWater Zendo in the Lake District, the small zendo from which our fledgling community takes its name. I won't spoil what Ron has to say with any more waffle, read it for yourself. - [Zazen without the sitting - Sarah Kokai Thwaites](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2021/02/zazen-without-the-sitting-sarah-kokai-thwaites/) - As a fairly extreme addict of zazen and of shikantaza (“just sitting”) in particular, spending most of 2020 unable to sit up for more than a few minutes due to Long Covid meant that the mechanics of my practice needed to change. One option might have been to stop sitting but that somehow never occurred - [Rough Surface, Hazy Mirror - Tetsugen](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2021/05/rough-surface-hazy-mirror-tetsugen/) - Here we have another piece on the question of "If you have received Jukai or Shukke Tokudo, how did you experience that commitment at the time and how do you experience it now?". The author is Tetsugen, a long time sangha member and monk. I received the precepts after my first retreat. I felt I - [Jukai: my rakusu - Guro Shoshin Huby](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2021/05/guro-shoshin-huby-jukai-my-rakusu/) - I received the precepts from Maezumi Roshi in London sometime in the early 1980s. Sumi Komo took a photograph as I was given my rakusu. Isshin is in the picture! I look very serious, and very young. And I had very little idea what it all meant. I am sure you never do with occasions - [My Jukai - Rosie Shishin Dembski](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2021/05/my-jukai-rosie-shishin-dembski/) - In the first year I came to StoneWater, I attended a couple of Jukai ceremonies. I found them quite beautiful and a bit strange, and I guess it opened up a small part of my curiosity. Like the form of Zen, it was a bit of mystery that I allowed to soak into me over - [My Jukai - Rosie Shishin Dembski](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2021/05/my-jukai-rosie-shishin-dembski/) - In the first year I came to StoneWater, I attended a couple of Jukai ceremonies. I found them quite beautiful and a bit strange, and I guess it opened up a small part of my curiosity. Like the form of Zen, it was a bit of mystery that I allowed to soak into me over - [In Memory - Henrike Jishin Reef](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2020/12/in-memory-henrike-jishin-reef/) - Henrike Jishin Reef, who was known to many in the Stonewater Zen sangha and who helped Roshi in the early days of the establishment of StoneWater Zen, sadly died on the 7th December 2020. Please click here to read a tribute to her written by Jim Yugen Lakey on the Yokoji-Zen Mountain Center blog. - [In Memory - Sharon Rinsho Ive](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2021/03/in-memory-sharon-rinsho-ive/) - Sharon Rinshō Ive died suddenly and unexpectedly on 24 March 2021 in Gravesend, Kent. Sharon had practised Zen for many years, beginning in Kanzeon Sangha, with Genpo Merzel Roshi, who gave her jukai and whose US centre she visited a number of times. Sharon participated in sesshin led by Tenshin Fletcher Roshi and Kaizen Scott - [In Memory - Lorna Kokai Morgan 15th November 1941 – 6th January 2021](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2021/01/in-mermory-lorna-kokai-morgan-15th-november-1941-6th-january-2021/) - Lorna found Buddhism in the 1980s at Sidney Zen Centre, which was affiliated to the Diamond Sangha in Hawaii under Robert Aitken Roshi. He visited Sidney to lead sesshin. He gave her the precepts and the dharma name Kokai. Lorna went to Honolulu for sesshin with Aitken Roshi. Returning to England, Lorna found Genpo Roshi - [In Memory - Maurice Shokatsu George](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2021/01/in-memory-maurice-shokatsu-george/) - In January we lost Maurice Shokatsu George who passed away peacefully after a short illness. He was 89 years old but very much younger in energy and attitude than his age suggests. A colourful and well-loved member of the Sangha and a frequent attender at the Liverpool Centre and retreats over the years, Maurice was - [Two Arrows Meet in Mid-Air - Suigen Sensei](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2021/05/two-arrows-meet-in-mid-air-suigen-sensei/) - John Suigen Kenworthy received Dharma Transmission (Shiho) from Keizan Roshi on 31st March 2021. Suigen Sensei is Roshi's second successor after Shinro Sensei who received transmission in December 2020. Roshi conducted the ceremony at the Lakes Zendo with the assistance online of Hank Yoshin Sensei from the Netherlands. There was also meticulous support from Stephan - [Why I took Jukai and Tokedo - Jo Doshin Riordan](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2021/05/why-i-took-jukai-and-tokedo-jo-doshin-riordan/) - About 40 years ago, a teacher in the Transcendental Meditation or TM organization introduced me to a meditation technique. She gave me a mantra. It cost a fiver, not cheap for the time, however after a week, it felt like I’d had my money’s worth! Instructions were to use the mantra for 20 minutes twice - [Sarah Kokai Thwaites - Jukai, Shukke Tokudo and Shoken](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2021/04/sarah-kokai-thwaites-jukai-shukke-tokudo-and-shoken/) - I’m not sure I can explain well in words why I chose to receive jukai or tokudo because I don’t think I knew why I was doing it. I just felt that I would. There was a pull to do both that I didn’t understand but which felt important to honour. There was a jukai - [Who put me on a leash? Taking Tokudo - Mark Kogan Shawcroft](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2021/05/who-put-me-on-a-leash-taking-tokodo-mark-kogan-shawcroft/) - I was not sure about writing anything about this. Then whilst watching the Falcon and the Winter Soldier I got a real surprise. The Falcon had just reluctantly taken the mantle of being the new Captain America. He was wracked with self doubt. He was not sure he could live up to the ideal. He - [Miranda Wayu Forward - Jukai and Tokudo, then and now](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2021/04/miranda-wayu-forward-jukai-and-tokudo-then-and-now/) - When I told my mum I was receiving Jukai, she said, “You always were a joiner”. At the time, I felt hurt, although I knew on one level she was right. I’ve always been looking for tribes of like-minded people following some path, sharing an understanding of the world, working together for a common cause. - [Zen Ups and Downs, but more Sideways - and a Photo Competition! - Gordon Gaho Tyrrall](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2021/02/zen-ups-and-downs-but-more-sideways-and-a-photo-competition-gordon-gaho-tyrall/) - I began Zen practice in 1983. I’d become interested in “spirituality” after abandoning a steady job to join a band of scruffy folkies touring Europe in 1979. I think I was looking for something to lean on in a time of insecurity. I read Krishnamurti, Gurdjieff and lots of other mumbo jumbo but felt strongly - [The Ups and Downs of Zen Practice - Sue Chie Davis](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2021/02/the-ups-and-downs-of-zen-practice-sue-chie-davis/) - When asked to write a little about my experiences of Zen practice I had to think long and hard. I have practised for so many years now the memory banks have got a little dusty! I’ve decided, as I write, just to let thoughts and feelings flow, mixing highs and lows as they arise. I - [Searching or crystals? - Mark Kogen Shawcroft](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2021/02/searching-or-crystals-mark-kogen-shawcroft/) - I left education when I was 29. I had cocooned myself in its embrace for 6 years. I felt I had found myself, found my friends, found my love of life. Experimented! I took photos, studied film and criticised some of the world’s greatest art pieces. Thinking I knew best. I spent many hours sat - [Koans are for life, not just interview: reflections of a koan committed - Guro Shoshin Huby](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2021/01/koans-are-for-life-not-just-interview-reflections-of-a-koan-committed-guro-shoshin-huby/) - “Koans are not for me”, I used to think. “My practice is woefully inadequate. Koans are for serious and accomplished practitioners of Zen”. “Besides”, I would go on, “I live too much in my head. Koans would only make my head even fuller of words and distract me from the practice of being in the - [Sesshins: Exhaling and Inhaling - Sarah Kokai Thwaites](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2020/11/sarah-kokai-thwaites-sesshins-exhaling-and-inhaling/) - When I thought about the subject of sesshins past I was a little surprised that the memories of sesshin that came up weren’t of any particular sesshin or of the the long hours in the zendo, much as I honestly love the sitting. Instead what popped up were other accompanying moments. Wandering leisurely through the - [A Chan Retreat - Jez Yushin Lovekin](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2020/11/a-chan-retreat-jez-yushin-lovekin/) - One of Roshi’s recent talks where he asked us to talk about our difficulties with zazen reminded me of a retreat I did with the Chan group in mid-Wales. This was about 2 years ago and was one of the final retreats before Maenllwyd closed for good. As always, we began in the old farmhouse,15 - [Crosby Sesshin, Now and Then - John Suigen Kenworthy](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2020/11/crosby-sesshin-now-and-then-john-suigen-kenworthy/) - In September and October we ran two online sesshins. The aim was to replicate, as far as possible, a physical sesshin, with extended sitting periods, interviews, work periods (samu) and services. There were also suggestions provided for meal preparation and other shared samu activities. The feedback for both these events was very positive. Whilst everyone - [My Sesshin moment: a realisation - Guro Shoshin Huby](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2020/11/my-sesshin-moment-a-realisation-guro-shoshin-huby/) - Sesshin used to be an even more special place than it is today, and that is saying something. Sesshin was Special because this was where that SOMETHING was going to happen. Exactly what that SOMETHING was was not clear to me, and I couldn’t put it into words. I don't think I even realised I - [Writing as Practice - Karen Shoji Robbie](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2020/05/writing-as-practice-karen-shoji-robbie/) - I’ve tried quite a few things to keep sane in the last seven weeks. I felt optimistic when lockdown started. A honeymoon phase. I was glad the schools had closed and I didn’t have to do any more supply work. But everything felt strange and upside down. The news was heartbreaking. The death, grief and - [Buddha, Dharma, Sangha - Josie Barrow](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2020/05/buddha-dharma-sangha-josie-barrow/) - What does Buddha, Dharma, Sangha mean to me? As a newbie to practice, these Buddhist words haven’t quite infiltrated my mind fully yet so I need to constantly remind myself. My very basic understanding of these words (from Google) is that the Buddha is the Enlightened/Awakened One, the Dharma is the teaching of the Awakened - [Buddha, Dharma, Sangha - Sarah Kokai Thwaites](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2020/05/buddha-dharma-sangha-sarah-kokai-thwaites/) - When I first pondered this question, the only word that appeared in my head was ‘life’. I tend to take a rather wide and inclusive approach to practice so before I jump to that conclusion it is perhaps more helpful to start with a more focused definition: Buddha as the historical figure whose example still - [Buddha, Dharma and Sangha : Which is the odd one out? - Colin Shinjo Salmon](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2020/05/buddha-dharma-and-sangha-which-is-the-odd-one-out-colin-shinjo-salmon/) - I have heard it said that different groups and traditions emphasise different aspects of the three treasures. Some, taking a scholarly or esoteric approach, place their emphasis on the Dharma. Others, putting great weight on the importance of meditation, put Buddha to the fore. If that is so, we could also ask which of the - ['Practising in a pandemic - there is space for it all' by Sarah Kokai Thwaites](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2020/04/practising-in-a-pandemic-there-is-space-for-it-all-by-sarah-kokai-thwaites/) - The phrase “there is space for it all” came into my head while sitting this morning and it seems to describe for me (so far) practising during the pandemic. My main practice at any time seems to be sitting with whatever feels the least comfortable. It’s not a practice I deliberately choose but on reflection - [Why am I missing Sesshin? by Guro Shoshin Huby](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2020/04/why-am-i-missing-sesshin-by-guro-shoshin-huby/) - I miss Sesshin! Trying to write down what I am missing and why, and what I can learn from this has helped me make sense of things. We had been thinking about the April trip from Norway to Crosby since the end of October sesshin. Then by March it was clear that the trip was - [Wild Camping on Arran - Rosie Shishin Dembski](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2020/03/wild-camping-on-arran-rosie-shishin-dembski/) - This year my little boy asked to celebrate the seasons, and we began with Imbolc, the half-way point between Winter and Spring. We wrote seeds on coloured paper that we felt we were planting in our lives, and planted them in the earth. One of mine was to push past my fears when I feel - [Zen and Lacanian Psychoanalysis - Lorena Yosho Rivero de Beer](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2020/03/zen-and-lacanian-therapy-lorena-rivero-de-beer/) - Here another StoneWater practitioner and therapist Lorena Yosho Rivero de Beer explores Zen and Therapy. I started practicing Zen meditation not long after I started training as a Lacanian psychoanalyst 5 years ago. From the beginning their similarities and differences have enriched both practices for me. They bring both experiential depth in the points that - [Zen and Psychotherapy: the same or different?](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2020/03/zen-and-psychotherapy-the-same-or-different/) - Some more thoughts on the subject of Zen and Therapy from Andy Tanzan Scott and Sarah Kokai Thwaites. Andy Tanzan Scott "Zen and psychotherapy: the same or different or both?" For me, they are different. I see Zen as a branch of Buddhism and thus as a religion. It is concerned with meaning - of - [Zen and Therapy - Suzanne Tsuko Adey](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2020/03/zen-and-therapy-suzanne-tsuko-adey/) - Here we have the second contribution on the newsletter theme of 'Zen and Therapy', this time from Suzanne Adey, one of Stonewater's monks and a counsellor and therapist I’ve been a counsellor and therapist for over twenty years and a Zen practitioner for fifteen years. I have always recognised an overlap between the two in - [Gestalt Psychotherapy and Zen, similarities and differences - Jutta Keijo Pieper](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2020/02/gestalt-psychotherapy-and-zen-similarities-and-differences-jutta-keijo-pieper/) - The theme of the next SWZ newsletter is "Zen and therapy: different, the same or both?". Here we have the first piece on the subject from long-time sangha member and therapist Jutta Keijo Pieper. Looking at the similarities and differences between psychotherapy and meditation, my focus will be on the Gestalt Psychotherapy approach which I - [Places No One Wants To Go (Shout out to my Ex.)](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2020/01/places-no-one-wants-to-go-shout-out-to-my-ex/) - by Mark Kogan Shawcroft Driving though the road that splits the old Coalite site A plant that created smokeless fuel A plant the created Agent Orange for the Vietnam war A plant that allegedly put dioxins in soil Killed some cows and spoiled some milk Ended up stealing workers pensions. Constantly failing to give a - [Keizan Roshi's New Year Message](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2019/12/keizan-roshis-new-year-message/) - Best Wishes for the New Year from Keizan Scott Roshi Dear Fellow Practitioners, The theme of the present SWZ Newsletter just posted out is 'What is my favourite koan and why?’ This newsletter is a really good issue with fine contributions and especially from Karen/Shoji and Jez/Yushin with their commentaries on a favourite koan. (you can find the - [Intrinsic Value](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2019/11/intrinsic-value/) - At StoneWater we are blessed in having some sangha members who are fine writers and who are able to share and reflect, often in very personal ways. Here’s a lovely piece by Stuart Gendai Hollyoak who explores the idea of intrinsic value. The ‘Identity of Relative and Absolute’ says that each thing ‘has its own - [My Favourite Koan, or my lifelong struggle with duality - Jez Yushin Lovekin](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2019/11/my-favourite-koan-or-my-lifelong-struggle-with-duality-jez-yushin-lovekin/) - Stage one As a Zenny I suppose it would be form to choose a koan from Mumonkan or Blue Cliff Record, write a breezy, impersonal account of why this koan appeals and how it works for me. It’s safe and will give the impression I am well sorted after all these years staring at the - [Ordinary Mind is the Way - Karen Shoji Robbie](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2019/11/ordinary-mind-is-the-way-karen-shoji-robbie/) - I had the opportunity to be Head Trainee (Shuso) in the Lakes this year. I don’t normally work on koans. My usual practice is just sitting (shikantaza). I chose this koan because of its ordinariness. It felt relevant to my everyday life. It involved Joshu and Nansen. Two of the great figures in Zen history. - [StoneWater Zen London update - Tony Shinro Doubleday](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2019/09/stonewater-zen-london-update-tony-shinro-doubleday/) - At StoneWater Zen London, we have continued with our regular programme of weekly and monthly classes. We held our first AGM on 24 July to discuss the future growth of our practice together. However, earlier in the year, we had already discussed what we might do as a sangha to support Buddhist Action Month (June), - [Daniel Bushin Gallagher - excerpt from "Meeting the True Dragon: A Commentary on Zen Master Dogen’s Fukanzazengi"](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2019/08/daniel-bushin-gallagher-excerpt-from-meeting-the-dragon-a-commentary-on-zen-master-dogens-fukanzazengi/) - The following commentary has been taken, in slightly different form, from the forthcoming book, Meeting the True Dragon: A Commentary on Zen Master Dogen’s Fukanzazengi. Introduction Eihei Dogen was born in the Japanese Capital of Kyoto in 1200. He was a Dharma heir in both the Rinzai and Soto schools of Zen and is credited - [Dropping off Dogen - John Suigen Kenworthy](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2019/08/dropping-off-dogen-john-suigen-kenworthy/) - I met Dogen Zenji once, late October by the river, the misting end of an Autumn day. He was ‘just sitting’, on a bench, looking west toward the distant mountains. A ship moved slowly upstream against the ebbing tide. “Do you suppose”, he said, “that it is the ship, the river or the mountains that - [“BUDDHISTS PREY A LOT!” By Andrew Tanzan Scott](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2019/07/buddhists-prey-a-lot-by-andrew-tanzan-scott/) - I recently attended a large Liverpool comprehensive school to take part in an interfaith event as part of a Culture Day. Our input was coordinated by Liverpool Community Spirit, an interfaith educational charity, and I was there to represent Buddhism alongside two other faith groups, Judaism and Global Christianity. The format of the day - [Mazu Daoyi's Ordinary Mind - Alasdair Taisen Gordon-Finlayson](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2019/06/mazu-daoyis-ordinary-mind-alasdair-taisen-gordon-finlayson/) - When I did my Shuso retreat and ceremony a couple of years ago, Tony Shinro presented me with a copy of Master Ma’s Ordinary Mind: The Sayings of Zen Master Mazu Daoyi. While I’d obviously heard of Mazu (also known as Ma-tsu or Baso who lived from 709-788 CE), I didn’t know all that much - [The Other Ryonen - Sarah Kokai Thwaites](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2019/06/the-other-ryonen-sarah-kokai-thwaites/) - Very little is known about Ryonen, the Zen ancestor that I find myself drawn to write about. For many of our ancestors the historical details of their lives are often much less well known than the stylised reputation their names have gathered over the years. In the case of our female ancestors even less is - [Tozan Ryokai; Awakening to the Phenomenal World - Tony Shinro Doubleday](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2019/06/tozan-ryokai-awakening-to-the-phenomenal-world-tony-shinro-doubleday/) - The thirty-eighth ancestor in the Soto lineage was Tozan Ryokai (807-69). He received transmission from Ungo Donjo (784-841) after first training with a number of other masters, including Isan Reiyu (771-853). Tozan met with Isan at a time when he was preoccupied by a question, which, according to the scholar Robert Sharf, was controversial within - [White Plum Teachers meeting at Yokoji](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2019/06/white-plum-teachers-meeting-at-yokoji/) - Every year the White Plum Asanga, which is Taizan Maezumi's lineage, holds a teachers’ meeting which is open to all registered WPA teachers. This year's 3 day meeting was hosted by Tenshin Roshi at Zen Mountain Center in California and was attended by Keizan Roshi, who is a board member representing the European sanghas, and - [Buddhist Action Month - Climate Action: Personal Action](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2019/05/buddhist-action-month-climate-action-personal-action/) - The Network of Buddhist Organisations (NBO) which StoneWater Zen is a member of, hold a Buddhist Action Month in June each year. The theme for 2019 is "Climate Action – Personal Action". The NBO have produced a Handbook which suggests actions that Buddhists might want to consider taking, either personally or in groups, to make - [Being and Doing part 2: When anger keeps us from sadness - Jez Yushin Lovekin](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2019/05/being-and-doing-part-2-when-anger-keeps-us-from-sadness-jez-yushin-lovekin/) - Here we have a new piece from Jez, continuing his theme of Being and Doing. When I began formal training as a listener, I found the models on offer unconvincing. Male, cerebral and rather clumsy, they were supposed to outline the human condition and provide a framework for the listener to work with. Some were - ['Being and Doing' by Jez Yushin Lovekin](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2019/05/being-and-doing-by-jez-yoshin-lovekin/) - When I was born I just was I was happy to be just who I was After a while this was not enough I wanted to be who I wasn't And so I worked on who I wasn't Hoping it would be enough But when I got to who I wasn't It wasn't what I - [Hanamatsuri May 2019](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2019/05/hanamatsuri-may-2019/) - On 11 May StoneWater Zen held its first Hanamatsuri celebrations at its centre in Liverpool and at the London group. This marks a new chapter in the growth of the sangha and reflects the recognition that we are much more than a Zen sitting group but a real presence in the lives of sangha members - [‘Emptiness and Boundlessness’ by Sarah Kokai Thwaites](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2019/05/emptiness-and-boundlessness-by-sarah-kokai-thwaites/) - I’ve been experimenting with words recently. Not deliberately but rather noticing how different translations of some of the words that we use in talking about practice or in our chants bring a very different feel. I’m going to be exploring here just one of these – the biggest – emptiness. I’m not going to really - [‘Emptiness and Boundlessness’ by Sarah Kokai Thwaites](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2019/05/emptiness-and-boundlessness-by-sarah-kokai-thwaites/) - I’ve been experimenting with words recently. Not deliberately but rather noticing how different translations of some of the words that we use in talking about practice or in our chants bring a very different feel. I’m going to be exploring here just one of these – the biggest – emptiness. I’m not going to really - [Keizan receives Inka](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2019/04/keizan-receives-inka/) - At the Spring sesshin at Crosby Hall in April, Tenshin Roshi conferred Inka, certification of final completion of training, on Keizan Sensei. This took place in a private ceremony at dawn on Wednesday 10th April when Keizan was given the Inka certificate and rakusu by Tenshin Roshi. The occasion was celebrated by the sangha after the evening sitting on Thursday 11th April. - [Zen, the Empty Set and the Infinite Challenge - Colin Shinjo Salmon](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2019/04/zen-the-empty-set-and-the-infinite-challenge-colin-shinjo-salmon/) - Here we have an interesting mathematical perspective on Buddhist teachings from sangha member Colin Shinjo Salmon. I recently listened to a discussion about mathematics and creativity between Professor Marcus du Sautoy and Reverend Giles Fraser. Professor du Sautoy is an atheist and Reverend Fraser is, of course, a Christian, but there was some fascinating common - [European Buddhist Union](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2019/03/european-buddhist-union/) - The European Buddhist Union (which StoneWater Zen is a member of) has an e-newsletter. Its latest issue is now online with articles from different Buddhist sanghas across Europe on the subjects of 'Ethics in Buddhism' and on 'Young Buddhists' See the latest issue HERE - [My Dying To Do List - Libby Kyosho MacKay](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2019/02/my-dying-to-do-list-libby-kyosho-mckay/) - Give my body to science - tick Avoid suicide That means a post mortem The university doesn't like post mortem donors Not enough to dissect. Do Not Resuscitate. Tick There's a list of reasons Not to live In my book On the piano Saves the living deciding If I die. List of bills. Tick Tells - [Life is like a borrowed book, and other thoughts of a 6-year-old - Sarah Kokai Thwaites](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2019/02/life-is-like-a-borrowed-book-and-other-thoughts-of-a-6-year-old-sarah-kokai-thwaites/) - While some sangha members have been thinking about ways to introduce children to Buddhism and to answer the very good question of why we sit on cushions doing nothing, my child conversations have been of a more internal nature. “Do I contradict myself? Very well then I contradict myself, (I am large, I contain multitudes.)”, - [The Beauty of Suffering - Karen Shoji Robbie](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2019/03/the-beauty-of-suffering-karen-shoji-robbie/) - A life of suffering resonates deeply for me. Not pessimistic or optimistic but realistic. It’s part of life. Switch on the news, open a newspaper, listen to your mind chatter. I have always suffered. It’s a great teacher. There is suffering all around us. Every moment there it is. Yet every moment there is a - [My Penny’s Worth on The Four Noble Truths - Keith Shingo Parr](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2019/02/my-pennys-worth-on-the-four-noble-truths-keith-shingo-parr/) - The Four Noble Truths are said to contain the essence Of Gautama Buddha’s teaching. The truth of suffering, the truth of the origin of suffering, the truth of the cessation of suffering, and the truth of the path to the cessation of suffering which is The Noble Eightfold Path. The truth of suffering seems to - [‘Pure Water, No Fish'- Examining the Four Noble Truths - Andy Tanzan Scott](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2019/02/pure-water-no-fish-examining-the-four-noble-truths-andy-tanzan-scott/) - The Four Noble Truths, along with the Eightfold Path and the Middle Way, are contained in the Buddha’s first teaching after his enlightenment. Called “Turning the Wheel of the Dharma”, this talk at Deer Park to his five former ascetic companions formed the basis of his teaching for the next forty-five years, so it is rather important. Nevertheless - [Keizan Sensei's Christmas Message 2018 - Practice in Daily Life](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2018/12/keizan-senseis-christmas-message-2018-practice-in-daily-life/) - Dear Fellow Practitioners, I do hope you find time for celebration and a rest over the coming holiday and that the new year is a good one for you. StoneWater continues to grow and 2018 has been a busy year with a full calendar. 2019 promises to be the same so do please keep an - [‘Sunrise’ by Sarah Kokai Thwaites](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2018/12/sunrise-by-sarah-kokai-thwaites/) - “This could be the start of something real. This could be the start of something beautiful” As I sat this morning, these lines from a song played through my mind. It was a particularly fine looking morning with a golden sunrise glow in front of me. In a moment like this it is perhaps easier - [Random Thoughts - Maurice Shokatsu George](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2018/10/random-thoughts-maurice-shokatsu-george/) - Thank you, Sensei, for the invitation to write about anything on our minds. So we have total freedom to roam around the Buddhist landscape. The format of our Wednesday meetings has come down to us from time immemorial. The Zen tradition appeals to me because it’s radically different from any other strand of Buddhism. The - [Learning to Speak - Sarah Kokai Thwaites](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2018/10/learning-to-speak-sarah-kokai-thwaites/) - Sensei invited Woo and I to represent StoneWater Zen Sangha at the Greater Manchester Buddhist Convention where the theme this year was Dialogue. Our session was entitled "Shut up and Speak: The Zen approach to dialogue and how it influences two Zen practitioners”. Here (roughly) is what I said: I think we all have our tendencies, - [Speaking Through Closed Lips: a Zen Guide to Dialogue - Woo-Young Tetsugen Yang](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2018/10/speaking-through-closed-lips-a-zen-guide-to-dialogue-woo-young-tetsugen-yang/) - Sensei invited Sarah and I to represent StoneWater Zen Sangha at the Greater Manchester Buddhist Convention where the theme this year was Dialogue. Our session was entitled "Shut up and Speak: The Zen approach to dialogue and how it influences two Zen practitioners”. As a novice, I would not normally comment on or discuss koans outside - [My Practice - Jez Yushin Lovekin](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2018/10/my-practice-jez-yushin-lovekin/) - (Apologies to those fortunate souls that can train their minds to stay awake.) I recently went on an awareness retreat in Wildest Wales. (Just for a bit of punishment you understand?) Happily most there were more enthusiastic and less cynical than me and gladly shared their means of practice. Shikantaza, breathing, awareness, posture etc. I - [Shusso Month thoughts - Keith Shingo Parr](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2018/10/shusso-month-thoughts-keith-shingo-parr/) - It was an honour to be asked to be head trainee during the August retreat this year. I must admit I was a little nervous at the prospect of spending a whole month of zazen, taking bookings, preparing talks and generally organising and being responsible for the whole thing. I was extremely grateful to have - [It takes time - Karen Shoji Robbie](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2018/10/it-takes-time-karen-shoji-robbie/) - It’s taken 21 years to find out a few things about zazen or should I say my life. My practice is ‘just sitting’. This is about something meaningful to me. That has happened very slowly, that has taken time. In my bedroom I sit and face the wall for 45 minutes, sometimes an hour. This - [Waiting for a Refurb - Mark Kogen Shawcroft](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2018/10/mark-kogen-shawcroft-waiting-for-a-refurb/) - I wondered not lonely Not a cloud in the sky Amongst the dust and barbed wire No thought of a why. A mirror never tired of giving Bars nothing to keep out or in penis and telephone all but forgotten Flowers thriving in the rotten. A beautiful padlock A choir in the old factory Loitering - [Sangha Family Group, Liverpool](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2018/10/sangha-family-group-liverpool/) - "The Sangha Family group is meeting again, but with the weather turning windy and cold we will be indoors this time. On Saturday 6th October at 1pm we'll be at the Zen Centre. I'll bring some games and toys, but hopefully we'll get a chance to sit in turns in the zendette as well, or - [Awakening, letting be and simplicity - Miranda Wayu Forward](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2018/06/awakening-letting-be-and-simplicity-miranda-wayu-forward/) - What for you is the essential teaching of Buddhist practice and how does it influence your life? I find that this, the essential teaching, varies for me. When I read Buddhist books, I usually think – aha, this is it! And then, on the next page – no THIS is it! But also, when things - [The Essential Teaching of Buddhist Practice and how it influences my life - Clive Tenryu Lindley-Jones](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2018/06/the-essential-teaching-of-buddhist-practice-and-how-it-influences-my-life-clive-tenryu-lindley-jones/) - “This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness”. - Dalai Lama Kindness? How wimpy is that? isn’t that for your Aunt Matilda rather than a world-changing philosophy? Surely there is more to all this - [Keep watching until the end - Colin Shinjo Salmon](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2018/06/keep-watching-until-the-end-colin-shinjo-salmon/) - What is the essential teaching of Buddhism to me? Reading a koan commentary recently, the line "keep watching until the end" struck a chord with me, and it sums up the most influential Buddhist teaching in my life so far. The first part of the sentence is similar to many teachings, about awareness, mindfulness and - [Activities and Safeguarding Policy - Web Updates](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2018/06/web-updates/) - You may be surprised by the extent and depth of StoneWater Zen's activities in recent years and an Activity Summary can be found here and under the Support tab on the StoneWater page. This reflects the growth of the sangha in terms of its numbers, its growing geographical spread, and the commitment of its members. On - [Buddhist teachings and my life - Sarah Kokai Thwaites](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2018/06/buddhist-teachings-and-my-life-sarah-kokai-thwaites/) - "What for you is the essential teaching of Buddhist practice and how does it influence your life?" I’ve found this an unexpectedly difficult question to respond to: each time I tried I met a brick wall. There are probably a variety of reasons for this including I think a mountain of resistance that I have - [Buddhist teachings and my life - Joe Roy](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2018/06/buddhist-teachings-and-my-life-joe-roy/) - We asked "What for you is the essential teaching of Buddhist practice and how does it influence your life?" Here are Joe Roy's thoughts. Recently I've been drawn intermittently (between bouts of scatterbrained inattention) to these lines from Kahlil Gibran: "Love one another, but make not a bond of love. Let it rather be a - [Sangha Family Group Update](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2018/06/sangha-family-group-update/) - Next Meeting Our small group of parents is getting together again on Sunday 10th June, for a picnic in Greenbank Park. If the weather turns bad, we can meet in my house in Crosby instead. It's mainly a chance to chat while the children play and continue getting to know each other. We'll (try) - [Memorable book - Steven Renshaw](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2018/04/memorable-book-steven-renshaw/) - 'Do not do unto others as you would have them do unto you – they may have different tastes.' : George Bernard Shaw Wonderbox: Curious Histories of How to Live – by Roman Krznaric My choice of book is not concerned with Zen although a Buddhist priest is the focus of one of the chapters. - [The Book that changed things - Andy Tanzan Scott](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2018/02/the-book-that-changed-things-andy-tanzan-scott/) - The question posed for the next issue of the newsletter is "Which book on Zen (or Buddhism generally) has had the most impact on your life and practice and why did it particularly resonate with you?" Here we have the first contribution on this question, as Andy Tanzan Scott pays tribute to the life-long affect of - [‘the book’ by Sarah Kokai Thwaites](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2018/02/the-book-by-sarah-kokai-thwaites/) - ‘the book’ - lowercase because this is less a book review (the title and author are lost) than a tribute to the power of reading, the value of public libraries, and the wonderful serendipity that the right book will appear when we need it to ..... “I have to preface this writing with an admission - [Memorable books: Two Suzukis - John Suigen Kenworthy](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2018/04/memorable-books-two-suzukis-john-suigen-kenworthy/) - Two events happened in my twenties which affected my life then and to some extent even now. The first was that my father died suddenly. He hadn't been well for some time but we had just shared a relaxing family holiday in Scotland and we had even talked about climbing Ben Nevis when he was - [StoneWater Zen Sangha WhatsApp Group](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2018/03/stonewater-zen-sangha-whatsapp-group/) - The StoneWater Zen Sangha has a WhatsApp sitting group. Anyone who has WhatsApp on their phone can join in and let others know via a written message when and for how long they are going to sit (for example Sangha members at home). If you get lucky you will get a reply from another person - [Favourite books: 'The Vimalakirti Nirdesa' by Maurice Shokatsu George](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2018/03/favourite-books-the-vimalakirti-nirdesa-by-maurice-shokatsu-george/) - In my youth, a long long time ago, I must have been searching for the 'meaning of life' or at least an arrow pointing in the right direction. I knew one thing: that the belief in a creator god was primitive and superstitious. This I had learned from my readings of Voltaire and other luminaries - [‘The Gateless Gate – The Tales of the Human Heart’ by Woo Young Tetsugen Yang](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2018/02/the-gateless-gate-the-tales-of-the-human-heart-by-woo-young-tetsugen-yang/) - Which book on Zen (or Buddhism generally) has had the most impact on your life and practice and why did it particularly resonate with you? The Gateless Gate – The Tales of the Human Heart As Sensei often muses, for a tradition that prides itself in ‘without relying on letters and words, transmission outside scriptures, - [My most difficult emotions - Keith Shingo Parr](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2018/01/my-most-difficult-emotions-keith-shingo-parr/) - Here we have another contribution on the theme of Difficult Emotions. This time from Keith relating how his recent visit to Yokoji Zen Mountain Centre in California was part of dealing with these head-on. Keith also kindly shares some lovely sketches done during his Yokoji stay. I recently travelled to Yokoji, a place I had wanted - [Self-loathing - Sarah Kokai Thwaites](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2018/01/self-loathing-sarah-kokai-thwaites/) - I’ve only recently realised that the emotion that I find the most challenging is whichever one I don’t want to face at that time, the one that I have been resisting the most. For quite some time this was self-loathing and I wrote this post a couple of months ago when this was still the - [Autumn Sesshin 2017 - Karen Robbie](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2018/01/autumn-sesshin-2017-karen-robbie/) - Many thanks to Karen Robbie for sharing these poems about her experiences on the last Crosby sesshin in October and for this image of her painting, Flower. Morning Zazen The zendo warm and smoky. Glowing with a candle. I sit on my zafu. The fold of robes as they fall. Think about words. Letting - [Sitting with Sadness - Jan Shigetsu Jones](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2018/01/sitting-with-sadness-jan-shigetsu-jones/) - Here we have another contribution on the theme of Difficult Emotions. This time from Jan Jones on her experience of sitting with sadness on retreat: I think the emotion I’ve found most difficult to sit with is sadness. I have a really strong memory of attending sesshin a while back and as I settled into - [Managing difficult emotions](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2017/12/managing-difficult-emotions/) - As the topic for the next newsletter Keizan Sensei has asked us to consider the question: 'What emotion(s) is the most difficult for you to manage and what strategy do you use?' Here, Anon responds: "The emotion that I find the most difficult to manage is inadequacy. I could write about the various little techniques - [Brief Love](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2017/12/brief-love/) - On our theme of emotions, here is a lovely piece by Stuart Hollyoak. I think Ken Jones would be delighted that writing and haibun - haiku embedded in a short story - of this high quality can be found in StoneWater. 'Brief Love * fetching my bag and jacket called from behind her smile I found her - [](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2017/11/3713/) - There are several techniques that we use in our meditation practice, including counting breaths or being with the breath, and koan practice. And a very important practice used in the Soto school is Shikantaza. Here, Keizan Sensei describes Shikantaza and it is is also worth listening to his talk given on 15 November 2017 in - [Shikantaza](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2017/11/shikantaza/) - There are several techniques that we use in our meditation practice, including counting breaths or being with the breath, and koan practice. And a very important practice used in the Soto school is Shikantaza. Here, Keizan Sensei describes Shikantaza and it is is also worth listening to his talk given on 15 November 2017 in - [Sue Eido King - The Martial Artist & the Monk](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2017/10/sue-eido-king-the-martial-artist-the-monk/) - Sensei has asked me to write an article so that you all know how I manifest my Zen practice in my daily life. You may see on Facebook and social media that I run a community-based martial arts gym with my partner Adam, we teach children & adults the virtues of Honesty, Compassion, Loyalty, Courage - ["I am godless, mindless and clueless" - Maurice Shokatsu George](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2017/09/i-am-godless-mindless-and-clueless-maurice-shokatsu-george/) - Here are some reflections from Maurice on his perspective on faith and religion: At the grammar school which I attended from the age of 11 to 18, every day started in the hall with a religious ceremony. We recited the Lord's Prayer and sang a hymn. Then the head teacher gave a talk on a - [In My World - Woo-Young Tetsugen Yang](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2017/09/in-my-world-woo-young-tetsugen-yang/) - Here we have another contribution on the newsletter theme, this time from Woo. ‘When your mind changes, the world changes. And when we respond differently to the world, the world responds differently to us.’ – David Loy In my world, there are many people, many sentient beings. The ones who come to my mind most - ['Changing My Mind' by Jo O'Riordan and Keith Parr](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2017/09/changing-my-mind-by-jo-oriordan-and-keith-parr/) - Here are two short pieces on the theme of 'Changing My Mind', the first by Jo Doshin O'Riordan and the second from Keith Shingo Parr, who is currently on Sesshin at Yokoji Zen Mountain Centre: "I found it hard to decipher exactly what David Loy means. Saying that the world changes when one’s mind changes sounds - [Emotions in zazen - Sarah Kokai Thwaites](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2017/09/emotions-in-zazen-sarah-kokai-thwaites/) - Recently I found myself thinking about how important it has been for me to get comfortable with really feeling my emotions and how much constricted my life felt when I wasn’t doing this. As is so often the way, reminders of what was on my mind were everywhere: Song lyrics including The Four Seasons’ “Big - [Reflections on a shuso (part 2)](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2017/09/reflections-on-a-shuso-part-2/) - Following on from the last post with Alasdair's reflections on his month in the Lakes as Shuso (head monk), here are his reflection on the Shuso Hossenshiki (Dharma Combat ceremony): What started as a brief reflection ended up being a bit like one of those 1980s photo-story magazines... brace yourself! (Photos all by Jenny Best - [No beginners class on Sept 16](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2017/08/no-beginners-class-on-sept-16/) - Apologies but due to unforeseen circumstances the Beginners class on Sat 16 September has been cancelled. The next Beginners class will be on Saturday 14 October. - [Centre closed during August. Now reopening on 29th August](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2017/07/no-zen-sittings-during-august/) - There will be no sittings at StoneWater Zen Centre through most of August. We will re commence on the morning of Tuesday, 29th August. (This is a change to the previously posted date). The first Saturday zazenkai will be on 10 September. Please note that other groups will continue to use the centre during August. The Centre - ['Showing up to my insecurities' by Sarah Kokai Thwaites](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2017/07/showing-up-to-my-insecurities-by-sarah-kokai-thwaites/) - Instead of writing about showing up with my insecurities, I’ve found myself writing about showing up to my insecurities. After decades of burying away my insecurities, being able to show up with them and feel them as part of my life has depended on recognising and acknowledging them in the first place. Most of us I think have our own most - [Showing Up - Alan Kaishin Crawford](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2017/07/showing-up-alan-kaishin-crawford/) - When I reflect on what it means to 'show up', three levels of meaning come up for me. The first is literally, physically, to show up! To actually get my backside in gear and 'show up' at the Zendo at least once a week - even when I'm tired and drained after a long day - [Back and forth: being with tragedy and despair - Mike Moss](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2017/07/back-and-forth-being-with-tragedy-and-despair-mike-moss/) - The following has been written and rewritten again and again. It contains a lot of things that I'm currently working with. It's also complicated, messy and a reflection of where I find myself. What's worth mentioning is that I write about recent tragedies in Manchester and my own mental health crises, which some folks may - ['Showing up, insecurities and all' by Miranda Wayu Forward](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2017/07/showing-up-insecurities-and-all-by-miranda-wayu-forward/) - I’m top of the class at avoiding showing up, that I readily admit! But something tells me that the previous sentence itself is a good example of that very thing. It’s too easy to admit to failures if the alternative is to ‘just do it’, as Roshi said. But it’s a start - here are - ['What turns up in practice' by Jez Yushin Lovekin](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2017/07/what-turns-up-in-practice-by-jez-yushin-lovekin/) - As I sit I am convinced I go deeper into my sub-conscious and unconscious and all sorts of gems then appear. Change these and we change our lives. It might even be the case that new or unresolved stuff comes up and we have to enter therapy for a while, at least until some sort - [Women ancestors – why honouring them by name in our services is important to me - Miranda Wayu Forward](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2017/06/women-ancestors-why-honouring-them-by-name-in-our-services-is-important-to-me-miranda-wayu-forward/) - When I first joined StoneWater Zen way back in 2001, I couldn’t help noticing that all the ancestors named in our services were male. Women did get a mention, however, but only as ‘all women lineage holders whose names have been lost or forgotten’. How sad, I felt, but unsurprising to me as a feminist - ['Showing Up – How Do I Get to Square 1?' by Woo-Young Tetsugen Yang](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2017/06/showing-up-how-do-i-get-to-square-1-by-woo-young-tetsugen-yang/) - Copyright – Leah Pearlman @ http://dharmacomics.com, “Worst-Thing-Best-Thing” Woody Allen said "80% of success is showing up. And often inspiration waits until you do". Someone else said “When we are willing to show up with our insecurities we create new possibilities". What does this mean for you and do you have any experience of its wisdom - [Bright and Clear by Karen Shoji Robbie](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2017/05/bright-and-clear-by-karen-shoji-robbie/) - We are currently gathering contributions from sangha members of the theme of showing up with our insecurities. Here Karen shares her experience of facing hers on a Chan retreat. In between branches the moon bright and clear I look up I arrive in the dark in the mud. A bright head torch and a friendly - ['Pilgrimage' by Taka Rothenberg](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2017/05/pilgrimage-by-taka-rothenberg/) - Last year at the October Crosby retreat we had a surprise attender on her first retreat. Taka Rothenberg is a delightful Japanese lady in her eighties who made her way to us by train from London. Not only did she know no one, she had never done zazen before and she had booked for the - [Who is Shakyamuni Buddha? - Alasdair Taisen Gordon-Finlayson](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2017/05/who-is-shakyamuni-buddha-alasdair-taisen-gordon-finlayson/) - An account of Shakyamuni Buddha's life and work. - [In Defence of Social Media by Sarah Kokai Thwaites](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2017/04/in-defence-of-social-media-by-sarah-kokai-thwaites/) - The internet, like everything else, has benefits and dangers. I know that for some people it can feel like an addictive and agitating way to spend time and can serve as a distraction from real life and practice. For me though the internet, and the connections it makes possible, has been an integral part of - [IT in Zen – How does the electronic mindfulness work?](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2017/04/it-in-zen-how-does-the-electronic-mindfulness-work/) - Here Woo-Young Tetsugen Yang looks at some of the technology of meditation. Smartphone apps have become very popular and widely used, especially by Mindfulness practitioners. But can they also be useful in a more traditional style of Zen practice? Here is Woo's experience: Insight Timer (https://insighttimer.com) is a meditation app that I have used every single - [The Internet: Navigating a Middle Way? - Alan Kaishin Crawford](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2017/04/the-internet-navigating-a-middle-way-alan-kaishin-crawford/) - Here is another piece in our theme of practice in the age of the internet, this time from Alan Kaishin Crawford. Thinking about the topic of whether practice is supported or hindered by technology is an interesting one for me. It provokes mixed feelings as it is something I have wrestled with in my own - [Social media is OK - as long as you keep it social](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2017/03/social-media-is-ok-as-long-as-you-keep-it-social/) - Here is another piece on our Zen and the Internet theme - this from Mark Kogan Shawcroft: To post or not to post that is the question. I used to post the odd opinion on Facebook. But lately I have stuck to just putting photos of my kids having a good time, just to show the - [The Internet - a corrupting influence?](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2017/03/the-internet-a-corrupting-influence/) - Is the internet a corrupting influence? Martin Huiskens thinks so: We live in a world where parents are bullied into buying computers for their children. Children now have their own computers in their bedrooms and internet on their phones. Many children now spend on average 6 hours a day lost in cyberspace. This has created - ['Zen, Death and me' by Maurice Shokatsu George](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2017/01/zen-death-and-me-by-maurice-shokatsu-george/) - 'Having reached my ninth decade, I’ve passed through many phases and experiences. It would be surprising if I as a Zen practitioner had given no thought to death and its implications. In my youth I thought I’d ‘dance forever and a day’. Years passed and nothing changed; death was for old people. In my life - [Practicing in Daily Life as a New Parent - Alan](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2016/01/practicing-in-daily-life-as-a-new-parent-alan/) - Here's Alan Kaishin Crawford's account of dealing with "baby brain" and the other delights of first time fatherhood: "Sitting down to think and write something about practice and everyday life as a new parent, the first thing I notice is my impaired capacity to actually think! My mind feels slightly fuzzy and dull through lack - [Sore legs, headache and what's all this about the ungraspable?](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2010/10/sore-legs-headache-and-what-s-all-this-about-the-ungraspable/) - This week, a post from Martie Griffiths, who only recently joined us at the Liverpool group. Martie's post is a timely reminder of what it can be like to view the practice with fresh eyes. It's great to have contributions from people who are new to this Zen stuff as well as the more jaundiced experienced folks! If anyone else would like to submit something, I'd be delighted to get your articles (or questions) at editor@stonewaterzen.org. - [Who is Keizan Jokin Zenji?](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2010/07/who-is-keizan-j-kin-zenji/) - Each week, after chanting together the Identity of Relative and Absolute, we dedicate the merits of that chanting to our dharma ancestors. I'm not comfortable with just chanting the names mindlessly, so I thought I'd do some reading around and find out a little more... and then inflict it on you! I wanted to start with Keizan Jōkin (1268-1325), because of all the figures we recall during the service, he seems to have been most unduly overlooked. - [My (Two) Journeys into Zen](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2016/04/my-two-journeys-into-zen/) - On the theme of Beginnings, here Clive Lindley-Jones takes us on a fascinating journey from Japan, through the Buddhist Society in London and the early years of the White Plum Sanga in the UK to StoneWater today. One of my early Zen teachers, Soko Morinaga Roshi, in his book, ‘Novice to Master: The Extent of - [Virgin Sesshin at StoneWater - a Journal by Julie Webb](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2015/10/virgin-sesshin-at-stonewater-a-journal-by-julie-webb/) - August 28, 2015 at 8:49am 23.8.15 Arriving Shikantaza Just sitting – the sound of one hand clapping As I emerge in the tension as invisible opposites O. *** Three hours in Silent and awkward Clumsy hands Privacy none Naked all So what? I don’t mind Do others? That’s what I’m thinking. I want to say - [Tables, Mountains and the Heart](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2015/12/tables-mountains-and-the-heart/) - by Bob Hozan Gray (Hozan, meaning Dharma Mountain, was given Tokkudo by Keizan Sensei at SWZ Centre Liverpool on December 12). "I remember attending a retreat with Master Simon Childs of the Chan Fellowship, whom I followed for some years. He was responding to questions, and one student asked him to explain "emptiness". It's a - [The practicalities of living and dying](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2013/06/the-practicalities-of-living-and-dying/) - Walking in the street today, I passed a woman pushing a pram which contained a very small human being. It's called a 'baby'. We were all born as 'babies' and slowly grow bigger and bigger, taller and taller. We became 'women' and' men'. Eventually we become old and die. That's the way things are: amazing - [The Human Route](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2013/06/the-human-route/) - Having just posted Maurice's thoughtful piece, The Practicalities of Living and Dying, Alasdair has just shared this poem brought by a member of his Northampton group to their meeting tonight. By coincidence it has a related theme. Alasdair writes: Kevin brought in a poem this evening, and I thought I'd share it here, too. Coming - [Fire at Yokoji Zen Mountain Center](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2013/07/fire-at-yokoji-zen-mountain-center/) - You may not have heard but there has been a serious forest fire at Yokoji Zen Mountain Centre where Tenshin Roshi is abbott. The centre, in the mountains west of Los Angeles, was given 3 hours notice to evacuate on Monday and the community watched with alarm as fire spread up the canyon. Thanks however to - [Zen and Gestalt](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2013/07/zen-and-gestalt/) - Let us strive to awaken, awaken, take heed… It happens frequently to me that when somebody asks me why I practice Zen or why I became a Gestalt Psychotherapist I am not able to answer immediately. There is a place within myself that can answer these questions but it seems not to be approachable ad - [Mountain Fire - Help rebuild Yokoji ZMC](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2013/07/mountain-fire-help-rebuild-yokoji-zmc/) - Our post last week on the fire at Zen Mountain Center was too optimistic. Although the buildings in Zen Mountain Centre survived, the events since sound calamitous. Further fires and heavy rains have melted or washed away power, gas and water supplies and covered much of the site under a foot of mud and ash, - [Mindfulness or Bodyfulness?](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2013/07/mindfulness-or-bodyfulness/) - Mindfulness is much in vogue it seems but I have long had doubts about the term. With its focus on mind the temptation for westerners, I fear, is that we will become even more ‘lost in thought’ as Thich Nhat Hahn describes us. In teaching zazen to beginners, I have found many who say that - [Ringsfield Hall Retreat, Suffolk, July 2013](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2013/07/ringsfield-hall-retreat-suffolk-july-2013/) - Emily from StoneWater Zen London has written a piece on the Suffolk retreat with Keizan Sensei last week. It can be found, with some lovely photos, on http://swz-northlondon.blogspot.co.uk. Sore knees, chilly early mornings, insects, sunshine, peacocks, birdsong. These are what first spring to my mind without much thought, and the list appears to get more pleasant as - [Urgent - Yokoji ZMC Appeal](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2013/07/urgent-yokoji-zmc-appeal/) - Hi folks As you may have seen from the blogs on the StoneWater website, there has been a disastrous fire in Apple Canyon where Tenshin Roshi's Yokoji Zen Mounta in Center is located. Although the Center buildings were saved from the fire - thanks to some heroic firefighting and the community's own previous brush - [Yokoji - more bad news](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2013/09/yokoji-more-bad-news/) - Having weathered the forest fire, as we previously reported, events have sadly taken a turn for the worse at Yokoji Zen Mountain Center. See Yugen's blog: http://zmc.org/blog/2013/09/a-turn-for-the-worse for some very distressing pictures. The forest fire burned off the vegetation that stabilised the soil on the mountain above the Center. This has left them dangerously exposed to - [Practice Layer by Layer](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2013/11/practice-layer-by-layer/) - Why do we sit? Tony Doubleday from the London group has written an interesting article in which he examines Dogen's commentary on the great stupas of India with the effect of sitting in our daily lives, and particularly on the cumulative effects of zen practice. Here's an extract: The brick courses of the great stūpas - [What does it mean to be a member of a Sangha, and why do we sit?](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2013/11/what-does-it-mean-to-be-a-member-of-a-sangha-and-why-do-we-sit/) - Dear Folks, Following the fascinating and stimulating discussion we had in the Liverpool Zendo on Wednesday night about attendance and absence etc. I thought a summary of my own thoughts might be useful for further discussion and thought. For me both in my own training and as a teacher, maintaining connection (even if this would be to - [Deaf and Blind in the Land of Zen](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2013/12/deaf-and-blind-in-the-land-of-zen/) - By coincidence, I came across the following sermon by Dogen Zenji, in Taigen Dan Leighton’s translation of Dogen’s Eihei Koroku, having just put down A Blind Man in the Land of Zen, which is newly published by fellow Sangha-member Steve Hobson: Hyakujo received a shout from Baso, whereupon he became deaf for three days. All people in - [The sacred and the mundane - the power of kindness](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2014/01/the-sacred-and-the-mundane-the-power-of-kindness/) - Keizan Sensei's recent mailing was on the 'sacred and the mundane' and his recent talk on this topic is now on the You Tube channel. Here, Sensei provides a moving piece on how a mundane act of kindness has extraordinary power. It was written by Becky, a friend of his, who has two children to whom - [Zen in Africa - News about Massocki](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2014/02/zen-in-africa-news-about-massocki/) - Some of you may remember 'Max', Candide Massocki, in Liverpool. He is now back in Cameroon and has set up the Pan African Institute of Zen Buddhism (PAIZB). Sensei has just shared news about Massocki with teachers from the White Plum Asanga in the piece below. SWZ has already supported him with a donation, and - [Stepping Out of Self Deception](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2014/03/stepping-out-of-self-deception/) - Dear Fellow Practitioners, Our natural direction is towards unity and harmony with ourselves and the Great Life, however, for many of us our sense of self resists and holds us in familar patterns and restrictions that create a feeling of separation. This practice is about seeing/examining the limitations of our fabricated sense of 'self' and - [Here, There, Everywhere and Nowhere. That's where it’s at (or not….)](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2014/03/here-there-everywhere-and-nowhere-thats-where-its-at-or-not/) - Sometimes in my talks I emphasise the no-self especially because most of us are more stuck in the concept of a solid, separate self than vice versa. However, the idea of no self can be easily misconstrued. Shakyamuni Buddha himself commented on this and he described two broad areas of possible misunderstanding. On the one hand there are folk - [A primary school Buddhist assembly with Alasdair Taisen Gordon-Finlayson](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2013/03/a-primary-school-buddhist-assembly-with-alisdair-taisen-gordon-finlayson/) - It was only when I realized that I had my foot firmly caught in my koromo and needed to stand up to greet the 430 primary school kids that I thought, “This could go horribly wrong.” It was a Wednesday afternoon, and I’d been invited to lead a special Buddhist assembly at Moulton Primary School, - [The Grand and the Squalid](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2013/03/the-grand-and-the-squalid/) - An article by Jez Yushin Lovekin - [Members Profile](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2013/01/members-profile/) - A new series featuring members of Stonewater Zen Sangha. - [Talks by Keizan Sensei](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2013/01/talks-by-keizan-sensei/) - Two talks by Keizan Sensei now on You Tube. They were recorded at Crosby Hall in 2012 at our annual sesshin. 'Regrets': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeV6ZeXzmKg 'Getting old': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dP34raRZk4 - [Form Guide](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2012/12/form-guide/) - Our newly published form guide. - ['Bog Cotton' - the new book by Ken Jones](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2012/11/bog-cotton-the-new-book-by-ken-jones/) - An excerpt from the new book by Ken Jones... - [Farewell to Alasdair,Selena and Josh](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2012/11/farewell-to-alisdair-selena-and-josh/) - I felt so sad tonight that my Dharma and monk brother Alisdair is actually going... - [News from Ken Jones](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2012/11/news-from-ken-jones/) - A short message from Ken... - [Keizan Sensei on Youtube...](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2012/10/keizan-sensei-on-youtube/) - During his recent trip to Brighton for a Big Mind workshop with Diane Hamilton, Mark Walsh of integrationtraining.co.uk got Sensei to stand still long enough to ask him three questions on video: "What does a British spirituality look like?" "What is Zen?" and even "You're asked what Buddhism is at a drunken party, how do you respond?" Click through for the answers! - [Samu Sesshin, August 2012](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2012/09/samu-sesshin-august-2012/) - A short extract from a letter to a friend: In August there was a working retreat ('samu sesshin') in the Lakes. I am very glad I went... - [Practice and form](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2012/09/practice-and-form/) - John Suigen Kennworthy and other members of SWZ are in the process of preparing a 'form guide' that will be available in the near future. The guide will be a template that can be used by all Stonewater Zen Sangha members and groups associated with SWZ such that we can, all together, maintain a uniformity and continuity of practice. Suigen asked me to write a short piece on form for the guide and it is copied out below. With the Crosby sesshin approaching I thought I would be a good time to post it here. And may I also take this chance to wish you well and I look forward to seeing you there. - [Non-Violent Communication and Zen](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2012/06/non-violent-communication-and-zen/) - I’d like to share with you my experience of Non-Violent Communication (NVC) and how it is on its way to being at the heart of my own personal Zen practice. Over the past fifteen years I have closely encountered the personal suffering of hundreds of individuals, from the privileged vantage point of one to one psychotherapist and counsellor. I have also observed my own suffering in relationship with myself and other people, and witnessed that of those closest to me. As a Zen practitioner I am constantly seeking to understand the suffering of human beings and ways to ‘put an end to it’. A part of this process for me has involved gaining a deeper insight into psychological and emotional styles of operating in the world, including my own. - [Struggle and Lack](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2012/06/struggle-and-lack/) - The teaching tells us that suffering or lack of ease arises because of our attachments and ongoing sense that something is lacking. This latter usually takes the form of experiencing a lack of a very basic feeling of security - a security that we all know consciously or otherwise life can never ultimately provide. - [Massocki returns to Cameroon](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2012/06/massocki-returns-to-cameroon/) - Farewell to Massocki from Cameroon who trained regularly with us at the StoneWater Zendo, Liverpool. Sadly, he has now returned home. We will miss him a lot and wish him all the best for the future. We can now look forward to StoneWater Zen, Cameroon! Keizan Sensei - [Jubilee celebrations at StoneWater Lakes](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2012/06/jubilee-celebrations-at-stonewater-lakes/) - Suigen at the June sesshin, Stonewater Lakes. - [Presentation of the 'Harmony Phoenix'](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2012/05/presentation-of-the-harmony-phoenix/) - Stonewater Zen Sangha is presented with a Wa picture. - [Zen River Inauguration](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2012/05/zen-river-inauguration/) - A brief note from Keizan Sensei about a visit to Zen River in Holland. - [A message from Keizan Sensei](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2012/05/a-message-from-keizan-sensei/) - A message from Keizan Sensei. - [Talks from Spring Sesshin (2)](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2012/05/talks-from-spring-sesshin-2/) - The second of two talks given by Keizan Sensei during the 2012 Spring Sesshin. - [Talks from Spring Sesshin (1)](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2012/05/talks-from-spring-sesshin-1/) - The first of two talks from Keizan Sensei from the Spring Sesshin, April 2012. - [The Paradox of our Age](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2012/04/the-paradox-of-our-age/) - The Paradox of our Age We have bigger houses but smaller families; more conveniences, but less time; We have more degrees, but less sense; more knowledge, but less judgement; more experts, but more problems; more medicines, but less healthiness; We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street - [The Grey Stone. A retreat haibun by Ken Jones](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2012/03/the-grey-stone-a-retreat-haibun-by-ken-jones/) - Ken Jones is a Zen and Chan practitioner and a teacher of thirty years standing. He has facilitated numerous workshops and retreats on different aspects of Buddhism. Ken has published widely and together with Keizan Sensei, he leads an annual retreat at Crosby Hall near Liverpool. - [The beginnings of my practice by Keith Shingo Parr](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2012/03/the-beginnings-of-my-practice-by-keith-shingo-parr/) - Beginning Zen practice can seem daunting. Beginning anything new is a little scary, but after some time we become more familiar and more at ease with what we are doing. When I first began, my attempts at Zen practice amounted to nothing more than sitting in a chair – a swivel one at that – - [Memories of Shukke Tokudo](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2012/03/memories-of-shukke-tokudo/) - 9am. 6th October 2006. I am leaning over a sink in the zendo house, Kanzeon Zen Centre, Salt Lake City. Anna, a resident monk, is making a preliminary shaving of my head. She leaves a short bristle of hair and just two long strands on the top of my head. Later that day, I am dressed in brand new white jubon and kimono. I am sitting in a chair in the Founder's room beneath the zendo with all the monks present at the centre in attendance. We chant together 'The Gatha to be Chanted Before Shaving the Head'. - [Life and Practice](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2012/02/life-and-practice/) - A message from Keizan Sensei on the topic of 'Life and Practice'. - [Talks from Autumn sesshin (5)](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2012/01/talks-from-autumn-sesshin-5/) - This is the last of the talks from the 2011 Autumn sesshin, from Tenshin Roshi. - [Talks from Autumn sesshin (4)](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2012/01/talks-from-autumn-sesshin-4/) - The fourth talk recorded at the Autumn sesshin, and the second of Keizan Sensei's two talks. - [Student and Teacher: A Zen Perspective](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2012/01/student-and-teacher-a-zen-perspective/) - Sensei asked me to do a reading this week and I used the opening part of the essay by Nicolee Jikyo McMahon Roshi, Student and Teacher: A Zen Perspective. - [Keizan Sensei's trip to the Himalayas](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2012/01/keizan-sensei-s-trip-to-the-himalayas/) - Dear Sangha members, very best wishes for 2012. I do hope we each have a fruitful and enriching year ahead. I look forward to seeing you in Liverpool (please check out our personalised mini retreat opportunity), Crosby or up in the Lakes. We have an all year round Wednesday to Saturday schedule in Liverpool and - [Talks from Autumn sesshin (2)](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2011/12/talks-from-autumn-sesshin-2/) - This is the second of the teishos from the 2011 Autumn sesshin. They're being released in the order they were given, so this one is from Keizan Sensei. - [Talks from Autumn sesshin (3)](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2012/01/talks-from-autumn-sesshin-3/) - This is the third in our series of talks from the 2011 autumn sesshin, and is the second teisho delivered by Tenshin Roshi. - [Review: "Sunbathing in the Rain"](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2011/12/review-sunbathing-in-the-rain/) - After reading Sunbathing in the Rain (a cheerful book about depression) by Gwyneth Lewis an award winning poet and zen practicioner, I wanted to tell people about it. - [Talks from Autumn sesshin (1)](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2011/11/talks-from-autumn-sesshin-1/) - The first of the talks from Tenshin Roshi and Keizan Sensei from the 2011 Autumn sesshin. Monday's talk by Tenshin Roshi opened the sesshin... - [Zen Practice in books by Tony Shinro Doubleday](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2011/11/zen-practice-in-books-by-tony-shinro-doubleday/) - A wonderful article by Tony who is a very well respected and long standing member of the Sangha. He is also co-author of 'Elements of Zen' with Keizan Sensei. - [Crosby by Caroline and Gordon](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2011/11/crosby-by-caroline-and-gordon/) - An article by Caroline (Teiko) and Gordon (Gaho) about this year's Crosby retreat. - [Eternal return and the unbearable lightness of paying attention](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2011/10/eternal-return-and-the-unbearable-lightness-of-paying-attention/) - Some interesting thoughts from Keith... - [Sangha visit to Yokoji](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2011/09/sangha-visit-to-yokoji/) - StoneWater sangha visit to Zen Mountain Centre Some places seem to be alive in the mind well before one ever makes the trip. These may be the great physical forms and structures of the world: the Grand Canyon, the Forbidden City, the Pyramids, the sort of destinations 'Google Earth' can zip you to, round and - [Yokoji ZMC film](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2011/09/yokoji-zmc-film/) - A short (8½ minute) film from Yokoji Zen Mountain Center giving an impression of life there... - [Memories of Dr John Crook](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2011/08/memories-of-dr-john-crook/) - Simon Heale, who many of us will know only as a fantastic Tenzo from many of our retreats, was also a friend of John Crook, a successor in the Ch'an tradition to Master Sheng Yen. Dr Crook recently passed away, and Simon shares some recollections of this remarkable figure in British Buddhism. - [Yokoji, Shuso Hosen and Ango](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2011/06/yokoji-shuso-hosen-and-ango/) - Myself, Suigen and Eido recently attended the last two weeks of the Spring Ango training period at Yokoji Zen Mountain Centre in California. - [StoneWater Zen Sangha Sitting Groups, White Plum Membership and StoneWater Sangha Membership](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2011/06/stonewater-zen-sangha-sitting-groups-white-plum-membership-and-stonewater-sangha-membership/) - A message from Kaisen Sensei regarding StoneWater Zen Sangha Sitting Groups, White Plum Membership and StoneWater Sangha Membership. - [Let Go of your Burden](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2011/06/let-go-of-your-burden/) - Have you ever thought about the infinite? Or asked yourself how big the universe is? Is there just one? Is our one universe part of a multiverse? And so on and so on. Not at the top of most people’s list of things to think about I know. But for anyone who has asked themselves that old chestnut what’s it all about? - [About retreats](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2011/05/about-retreats/) - A recent enquiry has made us realise that while we talk about retreats on our website, we do not say what retreats are about or why we do them. This short article aims to address this lapse. We would like to say something on the website about retreats and I am therefore seeking your comments so that I can amend this article in the light of these. Do please let me know what you think. (Editor's note: This article has now been included on the website, though that version may be updated from time to time.) - [New Years Resolutions (Audio)](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2011/02/new-years-resolutions-audio/) - Been a while since I posted one of Keizan Sensei's talks. In fact this will be the first of the year... it's a bit belated, I know, but here's the talk from the first Wednesday of 2011. - [Flowers, candlelight and incense](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2011/02/flowers-candlelight-and-incense/) - I have lost count of the number of times I have heard the service dedication "in offering flowers candlelight and incense we dedicate its merits to..." without really thinking why we do this or what these mean. Recently, with my wife Jenny taking care of the altars in Liverpool, I've begun to take more notice of altars. So, when sensei asked me to lead a discussion - fired by ignorance and curiosity - I decided to find out and to use this as the theme. It's opened a surprisingly rich vein and revealed a new aspect of practice for me. What follows is based on a brief piece of internet and book research rather than in depth knowledge and I am left with more questions than answers. - [Zen, the internet and me](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2010/11/zen-the-internet-and-me/) - Just some musings on how we find (OK, that's "how I find") - and perhaps even 'do' - Zen online. Thought it appropriate given this website and blog, and the recent launch of the StoneWater Facebook group. I suppose I'm trying to reassure myself that Zen online isn't mere distraction… which is always my worry. - [Practice in everyday life - Crosby 2010 (Audio)](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2010/11/practice-in-everyday-life-crosby-2010-audio/) - The second of our talks from Tenshin Roshi at Crosby, and the last in this 'mini series' of recordings. In this talk, Roshi was asked to focus on the practice in everyday life - though of course this is a topic he is always talking about, this time he addresses it perhaps more directly. Unfortunately, this is where things started to go wrong technically, and we only have the first 24 minutes or so of the talk, and none of the remaining talks. For those 24 mins, though, click on through... Thanks again to Teshin Roshi and Keizan Sensei for making these recordings available to us. - [On the practice and making a Rakusu](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2010/11/on-the-practice-and-making-a-rakusu/) - I’ve had a pattern for a Rakusu for many years now; for as many years as I have been practising (on and off). I‘ve made a more determined effort to commit to this practice ever since my father passed away just over two years ago. He was someone who appreciated his life on a moment to moment basis. I never heard him complain about his life, and he’d had some pretty tough times growing up in Liverpool during the Second World War. He had no Zen training, and yet he was always appreciative of his life, a cup of tea, turning on a tap and having instant hot water; I remember him commenting on such simple acts and I would be puzzled; now I smile at such memories. He was always satisfied and contented with simple pleasures and always seemed to go with the flow of his life. I learned a lot from my dad. - [Think neither good nor evil - Crosby 2010 (Audio)](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2010/11/think-neither-good-nor-evil-crosby-2010-audio/) - The second of our talks from Crosby, this was Keizan Sensei's first talk (and the only one we recorded). He starts with a well-known koan, "Think neither good nor evil," but has chosen one about which he says, "the essence of it is not complicated like some of them are... I'll read it, and you won't think, 'What the hell was all that about?'!" There were quite a few people new to Zen or to sesshin with us this year, and both Tenshin Roshi and Keizan Sensei addressed some of their talks to them, making these perhaps a bit more accessible to beginners than some that have been given in the past. Click through for the recording... - [Practice of a Tenzo at Yokoji](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2010/11/practice-of-a-tenzo-at-yokoji/) - Following from Simon's post last week, another Tenzo from Yokoji that we've been lucky enough to have visit with us here in the past has shared a piece with us that bears reading more than once. Jishin's poem was written last month, and originally appeared in the Yokoji ZMC community journal, so thanks to her for permission to post it. - [Every day is a good day - Crosby 2010 (Audio)](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2010/11/every-day-is-a-good-day-crosby-2010-audio/) - Although there were some technical troubles, we did manage to record a few of the talks from the recent sesshin at Crosby with Tenshin Roshi and Keizan Sensei, and are grateful for their permission to post these on the blog. They'll be scheduled in addition to our usual talks and articles, hopefully those who weren't able to come on sesshin will at least have a flavour of some of the talks. This recording the first of them, Roshi's first teisho of the retreat - click through to listen. He starts by quoting Unmon's "Every day is a good day"... Note that this (and the next) recording is substantially longer and a larger download than recordings from our regular Wednesday evening talks. - [Being Tenzo](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2010/11/being-tenzo/) - We were all very fortunate to have Simon in the role of Tenzo at the Crosby sesshin which has just ended. It's fitting then that we have a post this week by Simon telling how came to take on the Tenzo role, which has has served in for so many groups now for so long. - ["Dog and Cat" Zen, and why we practice (Audio)](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2010/10/dog-and-cat-zen-and-why-we-practice-audio/) - In this talk from our regular Wednesday sessions in Liverpool, Keizan Sensei explores why we get involved in spiritual practice at all - but starts off by asking us if we have become "Dog and Cat"-zen practitioners. You'll have to listen to find out what that means...! - [Koans](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2010/10/koans/) - I hate koans... - [The Three Signs and Zazen (Audio)](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2010/10/the-three-signs-and-zazen-audio/) - "Zen is often talked about as the 'religion before religion'... in Zen, we look into the very nature of Mind, the very nature of the whole thing, why we're alive, what's the point, why are we here? And what we discover is... that the whole thing is empty of any solidity." Keizan Sensei looks at the Three Signs of Buddhism and the links to zazen... what's it all about?! - [Seeing Stars](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2010/09/seeing-stars/) - At the zazenkai in Liverpool last Saturday, Keizan Sensei gave the talk and was asking us why we sit and what we really want from life. He talked - for the benefit of two newcomers - about what happens when you sit in zazen. About how, with regular practice, the space between the thoughts of our constant mental chatter somehow increases and something, a different reality, is glimpsed from which a sense of peace arises. - [The Beauty of Imperfection](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2010/09/the-beauty-of-imperfection/) - This week, a short but lovely piece from Karen Robbie reflecting on accepting imperfections. It's great to have a contribution from someone who's a bit off the beaten track - Jez and Karen's place in mid Wales doesn't lend itself to weekly dokusan at The Dojo, and part of the reason for this blog is to help us keep in touch with remote sangha friends. - [Snow in a Silver Bowl (Audio)](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2010/09/snow-in-a-silver-bowl-audio/) - Our second audio talk from Keizan Sensei: this time, a talk on a case from the Hekiganroku (Blue Cliff Record). - [Who is Daikan Eno?](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2010/08/who-is-daikan-eno/) - The second in my occasional series on the Ancestors that we dedicate merit to during our service. This time, Daikan Eno - better known to most as Huineng, the Sixth Ancestor of Zen. - [Tokudo - Leaving Home](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2010/08/tokudo-leaving-home/) - In the final part of this three-part series, Sensei writes about shukke tokudo, "leaving home to enter the Way" - the ordination as priest or monk, and what it means in our lay-oriented tradition. - [The Bell and the Seven-Fold Robe (audio)](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2010/08/the-bell-and-the-seven-fold-robe-audio/) - This week's post comes from a talk given at the Liverpool Dojo on 28th July by Keizan Sensei, on case 16 from the Mumonkan (Gateless Barrier), one of the major koan collections. In a bit of an experiment, instead of a regular blog post, this post is an audio recording of that talk. Hopefully we'll be able to do more of these in the future. Click through to the rest of this post to listen to Sensei's talk, and remember you can as ever leave comments for Sensei and the rest of us. Would also really like to get feedback on what you think about having more talks like this available. - [Jukai - Receiving the precepts](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2010/08/jukai-receiving-the-precepts/) - Sensei continues talking about shoken, jukai and tokudo - today: jukai, why you might consider it, and what it implies. - [Six-Year-Old Dharma](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2010/07/six-year-old-dharma/) - I was asked to talk to the year-one classes at my daughter's school after her own form teacher overheard her tell one of her friends that she should shave her head and "become a Buddhist, like my dad!" The six year-olds in year-one had been learning about Wesak, and their form teachers were looking for a Buddhist to talk to the children. My daughter's remark was seized upon... - [The fraud - Perils of koan practice](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2010/07/the-fraud-perils-of-koan-practice/) - I've been stuck on a seemingly innocent koan for quite a few weeks now, even with weekly dokusan. I won't go into details, I'm not looking for help on the koan, just an observation of the process, and perhaps a cry for understanding and begging not to be judged too harshly for either my fraud... or my self-pity! (This is adapted from an old diary entry of mine - I've actually shared this online once before, but not here.) - [Shoken - Committing to a teacher](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2010/07/shoken-committing-to-a-teacher/) - In his first Notes entry, Keizan Sensei talks about the shoken ceremony, during which the student-teacher relationship is formally established. If you are considering doing shoken with Sensei (it's not too late, even if you did jukai ages ago!), please speak to him personally. - [On becoming a monk 1.](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2014/04/on-becoming-a-monk-1/) - On becoming a monk… The Easter retreat at Crosby will see three new monks being ordained. Suzanne Tsuko Adey, Keith Shingo Parr and Sue Eido King will all receive Shukke Tokudo from Sensei on Thursday 16 April. In the blog pieces that follow I have asked the three new monks to say a little more - [On becoming a monk 2. Suzanne](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2014/04/on-becoming-a-monk-2-suzanne/) - My name is Suzanne Adey. I have been a Counsellor and Therapist for about fifteen years. I joined StoneWater Zen Sangha nine years ago during a difficult time in my life. At that time my marriage was ending and I was trying to extricate myself from a very complex situation. My job was demanding and - [On becoming a monk 3. Keith](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2014/04/on-becoming-a-monk-3-keith/) - Some personal thoughts on Tokudo Andy recently asked me to write something about my path to Tokudo. It’s difficult to say when that process began. How can you know when something like that begins? For me the whole process of Zen practice was very much a gradual, step by step process of trial and error - [On becoming a monk 4. Sue](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2014/04/on-becoming-a-monk-4-sue/) - All great Teachings come from the Heart; there are no words for it. Hi my name is Sue King. I am 43 and a Liverpool Lass born and bred. I currently run the Mushin martial arts academy in Liverpool where I spend most of my days teaching youngsters, something which I thoroughly enjoy and find - [On Silence](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2014/04/on-silence/) - Here's a wonderful post from Karen Robbie who has just been on the Crosby Retreat: "My name is Karen Robbie. I have been practising zen for 19 years. I would like to share a few of my personal thoughts on silence. I’ve always wanted to write something about silence. It feels difficult to write about - [No creature ever falls short of its own completion. Wherever it stands it does not fail to cover the ground.](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2014/05/no-creature-ever-falls-short-of-its-own-completion-wherever-it-stands-it-does-not-fail-to-cover-the-ground/) - No creature ever falls short of its own completion. Wherever it stands it does not fail to cover the ground. Dogen Zenji I recently heard this quoted during a talk on sesshin at Crosby a few weeks ago. It caught my attention immediately with its profound depth and wisdom. I would like to share with - [Koans & jokes: an unlikely connection](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2014/07/koans-jokes-an-unlikely-connection/) - A koan is in some ways rather like a joke. For centuries Zen teachers in Japanese monasteries have held the attention of their followers by telling brief stories with a punch-line, known as koans. Joke-tellers, like Zen teachers, often ask questions at crucial points in the narrative. 'Explaining' the joke or the koan doesn't work; - [Three poems](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2014/07/three-poems/) - We welcome contributions from the sangha. Liverpool member Tomascz Huszcza has just sent these poems. - [News from the August Training Period in the Lakes](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2014/08/news-from-the-august-training-period-in-the-lakes/) - We’re into the second week of the August Training period at our small zendo in the Lake District and it’s going well. Sensei was here for the first week and has now returned to Liverpool. We are now a group of 8 seasoned practitioners. We got off to a great start: the first week had - [Wild geese and wood sheds](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2014/08/wild-geese-and-wood-sheds/) - It’s the final full weekend of the August Training period in the Lake District and a small group of us (Stephan, Emma, Isshin and myself) are awaiting the new arrivals today for the final week of the retreat. The weather is beautiful as we look out across the Lowther valley eating breakfast. We have maintained - [Jokai Sensei - A Very, Very Short History](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2014/10/jokai-sensei-a-very-very-short-history/) - At the end of September Keizan Sensei went to Yokoji Zen Mountain Centre to attend the Shiho (transmission) ceremony for David Jokai Blackwell (above right). Here is a piece that Keizan wrote for the Yokoji Newsletter which describes how Jokai began his training in Liverpool. In 1997 I lived in Liverpool, UK, as I still - [What my practice is for me](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2015/02/what-my-practice-is-for-me/) - Recently Sensei asked the group at a Thursday evening sitting in Liverpool: "What would a fulfilled life look like?". He addressed this again yesterday evening (Weds 11 Feb) and his talk will be posted shortly. Here is Keizan Sensei's own response to this question: "I thought it would be useful for me to try and - [Futatsu and the Ten Grave Precepts](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2015/02/futatsu-and-the-ten-grave-precepts/) - Sounds like a fairy tale title doesn't it - like Snow White and Seven Dwarfs? But no, with a Jukai ceremony coming up on the April Retreat at Crosby, here's a thoughtful piece by Eido on the Ten Grave Precepts. Tanzan "I was recently intrigued by a talk that Sensei gave on the Fusatsu Ceremony, - [U Dhammaloka - The first Western Buddhist Monk](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2015/03/u-dhammaloka-the-first-western-buddhist-monk/) - Hello, I apologise for this unsolicited intrusion. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Ian Lawton, I am a filmmaker based in the midlands of Ireland and making a film about the lost Irish historical figure, U Dhammaloka, the first western Buddhist monk. I am trying to bring attention of this project to the wider - [Crosby 2015](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2015/05/furnace-crosby-2015/) - First day of sesshin with endless possibilities I'm here to find out what my body needs, begins to hurt bones in a furnace time is slow, time aches in straight spine inside this human triangle there is space to feel fear at a deeper level I might go off the edge days continue in silent - [Come What May](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2015/06/come-what-may/) - Here's a really interesting and thoughtful piece by Stuart Hollyoak who asks 'how can I act without dependency on results and thus independent of Ego?' Is this possible? What do you think? 'Sentient beings are numberless, I vow to save them. Desires are inexhaustible, I vow to put an end to them. The Dharmas are - [Room For Improvement](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2015/09/room-for-improvement/) - It's funny the effect that sitting and retreats have on people. Here, for example, are Miranda's thoughts; she writes: "This daft ditty is based on the last week of our Lakes retreat, August 2015. To be sung to the tune of Strawberry Fair – in company, with people joining in the chorus, of course! Please add - [Where are the Women?](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2015/09/where-are-the-women-2/) - Here's a thoughtful and thought provoking piece by Miranda Forward: "Something has been bothering me for a while: – Every Wednesday evening during the service at StoneWater Zen Liverpool, we chant the Identity of Relative and Absolute Sutra. After the sutra, the Ino chants a dedication - In reciting the Identity of Relative and Absolute, - [SWZ Derbyshire Local Group](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2015/10/swz-derbyshire-local-group/) - Mark Kogan Shawcroft has just started new local group in Bolsover, Derbyshire, after running a group in Sheffield. Recently I simply asked ‘how’s it going?’ Here’s his fascinating account of his first two months with the new group: It's going well. Larry and Greg, who used to go to the group in Sheffield, have been - [Ken Jones last book "Gone Away"](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2015/11/ken-jones-last-book-gone-away/) - Jez mentioned this book at the Crosby Retreat in October. A poet to the end, Ken's last piece for the book was written on the day he died. But you may have found the book difficult to obtain - as I have. Here are details from Ken's publisher about how to obtain Ken's last book, - [Why I became a Buddhist](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2015/11/why-i-became-a-buddhist/) - Stuart Hollyoak was one of the four sangha members who received Jukai from Keizan Sensei on 14 November in Liverpool. Here, he offers his reflections on his decision to receive the Precepts and what this means for him: “In Steven Pressfield's The War of Art there's a quote by W.H. Murray that goes: Until one - ["Small Buddhas", a poem by Karen Robbie](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2015/11/small-buddhas-a-poem-by-karen-robbie/) - Passing time losing myself in small birds. Tweets & twitters of delightful buddhas, never reaching the crescendo of a troubled world. Slipping in, a pigeon sits, cooing gently, with the kindly nature of a monk in grey robes. - [The Identity of the Relative and the Absolute.](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2015/11/the-identity-of-the-relative-and-the-absolute/) - Here's a beautiful reflection by Jez Lovekin : "Years ago, when I first heard and chanted this Sutra, I found myself connecting with it like none of the other sutras. This was the one that spoke to me about my ignorance of practice and subsequently my developing understanding and finally my need to struggle with - [Meaning and Existence, and the Fulfilled Life](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2015/12/meaning-and-existence-and-the-fulfilled-life/) - Dear StoneWater Zen Sangha members and fellow practitioners, For the last few years I have written something to think about and take into the New Year. Here is this year’s offering. I am conscious the second part is quite dense and may take a few readings to understand but hopefully it is finally useful. Apologies - [Book review: The Great Failure - A Bartender, A Monk and My Unlikely Path to the Truth.](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2016/01/book-review-the-great-failure-a-bartender-a-monk-and-my-unlikely-path-to-the-truth/) - We welcome your contributions and pieces from new contributors. Here is Jan Shigetsu Jones first book review. The Great Failure - A Bartender, A Monk and My Unlikely Path to the Truth. Natalie Goldberg (2004) I was fortunate in coming to write this review in that the author gave an interview about this book in - [Allotment as Practice](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2016/01/allotment-as-practice/) - Here's a lovely piece by Sarah Thwaites - Zen in daily life and one pointed attention both perfectly captured: '21 years ago when I first heard that there were places called allotments I suddenly knew that was what I wanted to do with my spare time, I had no idea that it would become so - [Bringing Practice to the Workplace](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2016/01/bringing-practice-to-the-workplace/) - We are on a roll! Another new contributor, Alan Bell, offers this fascinating insight into bringing Zen Practice into his work as an IT manager: "In this short article I wanted to express how practice has informed my life and specifically how it informs my life at work. Firstly, please let me describe the sort - [Practicing in Daily Life as a New Parent - Colin](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2016/01/practicing-in-daily-life-as-a-new-parent-colin/) - Here's Colin Salmon's account as a first time parent: "When I have asked in the past about how to practice as part of family life, or whilst raising a small child, I meant one of two things. Firstly, how do I keep doing zazen? Secondly, how do I see myself as a proper Buddhist when - ['Beginnings' by Alan Bell](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2016/03/beginnings-by-alan-bell/) - My path to Zen practice probably started in 2001, which was when I was first introduced to meditation via the practice of Yoga. After a 15 year career both practicing and teaching martial arts I wanted to find a practice that would help me ‘slow down’. I thoroughly enjoyed the physical practice of yoga, that - [Returning from the Bathroom by Woo-Young Yang](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2016/04/returning-from-the-bathroom-by-woo-young-yang/) - Although I sometimes wear the Tathagatha teaching In my attachment to kinhin This time I forgot to wear it Thank Buddha that the Tathagatha teaching Was just where I left it Waiting for me to pick it up again No loss no gain Although bathroom breaks are inevitable And kinhin is important Let us strive - ['How I got into practice' by Jez Lovekin](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2016/04/how-i-got-into-practice-by-jez-lovekin/) - I am a twin, I shared a womb with someone else. Something inside me stirs when I write these words. So my sense of incompleteness didn't show early and not until I gained my teen years. This search for identity, once established but not recognised, led me to leave a comfortable environment and end up - [Who Would Have Thought It …?](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2016/04/who-would-have-thought-it/) - Imagine, where we sit in zazen every week in Liverpool was once where Bill Nighy, Julie Walters, Pete Postlethwaite, Jonathan Pryce and many other famous names in British film and theatre rehearsed when the Everyman had a repertory company. In 2002 when Sensei and I took over what is now StoneWater Zen Centre, it was - [Where are the Women? Here are some of them!](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2016/04/where-are-the-women-here-are-some-of-them/) - An update from the SWZ Women Ancestors Group by Miranda Wayu Forward In September 2015, I wrote a piece for the SWZ website entitled ‘Where are the Women?’ about the invisibility of women in our chants, dedications and lineage, how this feels as a woman in the sangha, and the research which has been done - ['Retreatants' by Stuart Hollyoak](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2016/05/retreatants-by-stuart-hollyoak/) - In August 2015 I spent 5 days in Keizan Sensei's home in the Lake District for the annual lakes retreat. I went simply because I wished to go. I brought no expectations of satori or kensho as I thought it would take years before I'd even catch a sliver of either, if at all. But, - [Death Poems from the recent 'Art of Dying' Retreat](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2016/06/3002/) - On behalf of the survivors of our recent retreat I proudly present our compilation (by no means complete) of poems written and performed on the final day. love Jez Life and death "Like the foot before and the foot behind in walking." An image floats before me; a two headed Janus A coin spinning, - [What do Zen and Gestalt Therapy have in common? (Part 1)](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2016/07/what-do-zen-and-gestalt-therapy-have-in-common-part-1/) - The paradoxical theory of change by Jutta Pieper It has been on my mind for a while to write something about what Zen and Gestalt Therapy have in common. I often tell people that they have but what exactly is it I mean by that? In the mid nineties I wasn't well. I was suffering - ['Zen in the Mud' by Ed Howard](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2016/07/zen-in-the-mud-by-ed-howard/) - Resistance I'm a 43 year old man who has had desk jobs in London for the last 12 years. Nice clean, shiny jobs, with glass and steel and marble floors. I am not the outdoors type. I haven't been camping since the early 90's, because I could think of little worse. I don't like big - [What are the benefits of practice?](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2016/07/what-are-the-benefits-of-practice/) - Here we begin a series of posts by sangha members; What are the benefits of practice and how do you know or measure what these are? How do you measure whether this practice is beneficial for you? by Woo Young Yang Measurements are important. Some scientists even suggest that, at least in science, if something is - [The benefits of Practice - How differently my life feels](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2016/07/the-benefits-of-practice-how-differently-my-life-feels/) - Here Sarah Kokai Thwaites looks at the benefits of practice for her life: How do you measure whether this practice is beneficial for you? It seems that any question can have many ways of looking at it and many possible answers. Here’s one that presents itself to me at the moment – how differently my - [My Motivation to follow a Spiritual Path, by Alan Crawford](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2016/07/my-motivation-to-follow-a-spiritual-path-by-alan-crawford/) - I was motivated to follow a spiritual practice, like many others, through the gate of suffering – through a sense of lack. My own suffering was nothing compared to what some others face, but it was enough to sow within me the seeds of a niggling doubt; a sense that there was more to life - [How Big is Life? by Richard Harris](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2016/08/how-big-is-life-by-richard-harris/) - Some would say I lead a full and rich life. I have a wonderful partner,a large, caring family, good friends, sufficient resources to live on. After 40 years of work, retirement has had its benefits - being in control of my time, being able to do what I want and indulge my whims. Inevitably patterns - [Free Mind? Free Spirit? by Maurice George](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2016/09/free-mind-free-spirit-by-maurice-george/) - My mind feels free. I think I can make up my own mind. I believe that I have freewill. And I would resent it if you told me that my freedom was non-existent; so be careful what you say to me ! So let me say right now that ‘freedom’ is a fraud. What shall - [A visit to Shinheunsa temple, Korea by Woo-Young Yang](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2016/09/a-visit-to-shinheunsa-temple-korea-by-woo-young-yang/) - A visit to Shinheunsa temple, Korea by Woo-Young Yang These are some photos that I took from Shinheunsa in Korea, one of the oldest temples that belong to the Zen sect (Seon in Korean), built in the 7th century AD. Unlike the old Japanese Zen temples which seem to preserve the colour of the original - [Tony Shinro Doubleday's Shuso Hossen, Liverpool](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2016/09/tony-shinro-doubledays-shuso-hossen-liverpool/) - On 27 August, following his month-long residency in the Lake District, Tony Shinro Doubleday presented Case 67 from the Blue Cliff Record at a Shuso Hossen ceremony at the Liverpool Centre. This is the text of his talk and pictures from the well attended ceremony: MAHASATTVA FU EXPOUNDS THE SUTRA The Emperor Wu of Liang - [Appreciatory Verses on Tony Shinro Doubledays Shuso Hossen](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2016/09/appreciatory-verses-on-tony-shinro-doubledays-shuso-hossen/) - StoneWater Zen Centre Liverpool 27 August 2016 Leaving the Lakes where the twin trees grow Finding your own way through fog and rain Struggling upstream over rock and boulder You have left your compass behind And as with the dancer and the dance You are coming home To where stone and water forever abide as - [Silence](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2016/10/silence/) - Here's a little gem of a piece by Stuart Hollyoak. ‘The word listen contains the same letters as the word silent’ - Alfred Brendal Our culture never tires of dangling carrots of satisfaction over my head. Industries vie for my attention and money with new fragrances, fashions, gadgets and entertainment. Though I’m hardly coerced by - [An Encounter by Jez Lovekin](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2016/10/an-encounter-by-jez-lovekin/) - I was painting the railings outside the Samaritan building in Aber when I was approached by a smartly dressed man riding a disability scooter. He looked fit, well and bright and I guessed immediately he was a Jehova. I never have a problem with an approach as I have a secret admiration for their courage - ['Shyness and the Dharma' by Nameless](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2016/10/shyness-and-the-dharma-by-nameless/) - You would find it difficult or even impossible to connect these two terms. But for me, it’s easy. I have to begin by reliving the life I led in my formative years and up to 1995. (Why 1995 ? I’ll come to that later.) So please excuse me if this piece is too personal or - ['Night Sitting' by Woo Young-Yang](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2016/11/night-sitting-by-woo-young-yang/) - The Fourth Night ‘This is it! Tonight is the night!’ On the fourth and penultimate night of the autumn sesshin, I was going to undertake an all-night sitting as per the practice of meditation retreats in many Buddhist monastic cultures. I had been slowly building up the number of hours that I sat in zazen - ['Suffering' by Jez Lovekin](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2016/11/suffering-by-jez-lovekin/) - I am a big fan of suffering. Not just because it is useful for developing insights but also without suffering it is more difficult to develop any compassion. How can we feel and experience other people's suffering unless we have some actual experience ourselves? I was talking with a woman who was born into an - [‘The View’ by Colin Shinjo Salmon](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2016/12/the-view-by-colin-shinjo-salmon/) - I have heard and read a lot recently about the analogy of practice as climbing a mountain. At a discussion on a Thursday night someone mentioned that, whilst the summit may seem elusive, they can appreciate how far they have come by looking back at the view behind. This idea of taking stock of how - ['Zen in my daily life / My daily life in zen' by Karen Shoji Robbie ](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2016/12/zen-in-my-daily-life-my-daily-life-in-zen-by-karen-shoji-robbie/) - Most days I walk my dog. He’s the one that sniffs I’m the one that sees. I look at the same things everyday, trees, sky, clouds, kites, mountains, moorland and sheep. I’ve become very close to nature since I moved to Wales. I live nine hundred feet up and it’s wild and empty in a - [“Anything to keep you going” - Woo Young-Yang](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2017/01/anything-to-keep-you-going-woo-young-yang/) - Friday. 5.50 am. Alarm. A gigantic struggle in bed just to get up. A cup of tea, cooled rapidly with lots of cold milk. A banana. Tooth brush and shave. Cold air. A sluggish uphill bike ride for 30 minutes. A shower in the lab building. Change of clothes. 7 am. Darkness in the zendo - ['Confessions of an obsessive sitter' by Sarah](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2017/01/confessions-of-an-obsessive-sitter-by-sarah/) - Addictions and compulsions take many forms, for some it's alcohol or wild swimming, and for others it's zazen. Here is Sarah's confession: My name is Sarah and I’m an obsessive sitter. It feels that this piece almost needs to start with that sort of confession. I sit a lot. A tally on a web community - ['My Practice' by Stuart Gendai Hollyoak](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2017/01/my-practice-by-stuart-gendai-hollyoak/) - When I bow to the zendo altar, to the Buddha that will sit on my cushion, or to the Buddhas sitting opposite and beside me, I notice, for the time being, that each bow is incomplete. Somewhere along the way self-consciousness splits the experience in two and a small measure of disappointment arises. As I - ['Mind the Gap? - Zen in Daily Life' by Jez Yushin Lovekin](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2017/01/mind-the-gap-zen-in-daily-life-by-jez-yushin-lovekin/) - I have been reading Genpo Roshi’s latest literary offering “Spitting out the Bones.” Whilst this is not a plug or a review, it is a fascinating and irritating experience. And for this Brit, proof that the cultural divide still remains as strong as ever. There was always something epic about Roshi and although personally, I - ['Reflections on Rohatsu and Jukai' by Clive Tenryu Lindley-Jones](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2017/01/reflections-on-rohatsu-and-jukai-by-clive-tenryu-lindley-jones/) - Early on in George Eliot’s seminal Novel, Middlemarch, Dorothea says to her would-be husband, the dried-up scholar Mr. Casaubon: “I have longed for some great purpose in my life that would give it shape and meaning.” Looking at the sad struggles of our world and reflecting on this desire to have meaning in our lives, - [Zen in the News: Sept-Aug 2010](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2010/09/zen-in-the-news-sept-aug-2010/) - Thich Nhat Hahn on the environment, Ryushin Haller returns from SFZC to Belfast to help in hospitals, and the Eido Shimano scandal continues, this time in the NY Times. - [Earthquake Memorial - Help sought from around the world](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/2011/06/earthquake-memorial-help-sought-from-around-the-world/) - The sangha has been contacted by a group in Japan who are creating the "Tohoku Earthquake Memorial Sutra Mound" in memory of the 15,000 confirmed dead and 9,000 missing from the recent earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster. Keizan Sensei has asked me to make the details available to everyone so that those who wish to participate can do so. In brief, those who take part will trace out a copy of the Heart Sutra in Japanese kanji script, part of a practice called "shakyo"/copying of sutras. We will contribute these to the committee, who will then hold a ceremony in which they are recited, and buried on a mountain in Japan. A memorial will then be erected on this burial mound. Read of for more details of the project and how to get involved... ## Pages - [Home](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/) - [Online Zendo](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/stonewater-zen-online/) - Welcome to StoneWater Zen Sangha’s Online Zendo, a space for joining us in the practice of zazen. The Online Zendo uses Zoom. Please become acquainted with this entire page before attending for the first time. How do I use Zoom on my computer or mobile phone? Before participating in the Online Zendo, you must first download - [Stonewater Zen Teachers](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/photo-albums/teachers/) - Keizan Scott Roshi - Founder and Teacher Rev Dr David Keizan Shoji Scott is the founder and leader of the StoneWater Zen Sangha. He is an ordained Buddhist priest and lineage holder in the Soto Zen school, having received Shiho (Dharma transmission) from Tenshin Fletcher Roshi in October 2009. Keizan is also a widely published writer - [Local Groups](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/stonewater/local-groups/) - StoneWater Local Groups are all led by experienced practitioners who are students or successors of Keizan Roshi. You can find information about StoneWater Zen HERE and about StoneWater’s teachers HERE A guide on 'What to do if there is no Zen group near you' is now available on our Resources page. StoneWater Zen Northampton The Northampton group holds regular weekly - [SWZ Lakes retreats](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/photo-albums/swz-lakes-retreats/) - Other photos from SWZ Lakes can be found in the galleries for Jukai and Tokudo ceremonies. 2005' Eye Opening' Feb 2007 Feb 2010 Aug 2011 Samu week Rohatsu 2012 Rohatsu 2013 Aug 2013 Aug 2014 Samu week Aug 2016 Samu week Aug 2018 Samu week Aug 2019 Jan 2020 Fell End 2022 Fell End Spring 2023 Summer - [Retreat and Event Dates](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/resources/event-dates/) - August Training Period 2026 Booking is now open for the August Training Period, four consecutive, week long retreats at Fell End in the Lake District. StoneWater Zen teachers will be present throughout the month. The schedule for each week will include zazen, interviews with teachers, dharma talks, work practice and services and an extended afternoon - [Crosby Retreats](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/photo-albums/crosby-retreats/) - Other photos from Crosby can be found in the galleries for Jukai and Tokudo ceremonies. 2007 2008 Apr 2010 Oct 2017 April 2019 & Keizan's Inka Oct 2019 April 2024 Roshi left on Friday evening and unfortunately missed the group photo April 2025 April 2026 - [Tokudo Ceremonies](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/photo-albums/tokudo-ceremonies/) - Shukke Tokudo is the ceremony of ordination as a monk, as explained here. 2009 John 2010 Tony 2011 Alasdair, Andy, & Ron 2014 Suzanne, Keith & Sue 2016 Miranda & Jo 2016 Dan & Tim 2017 Sarah & Woo 2018 Stephan 2019 Mark 2022 Guro, Chris, Kamil and Giles 2023 Colin and Jeremy 2024 - [Tokudo Ceremonies](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/photo-albums/tokudo-ceremonies/) - Shukke Tokudo is the ceremony of ordination as a monk, as explained here. 2009 John 2010 Tony 2011 Alasdair, Andy, & Ron 2014 Suzanne, Keith & Sue 2016 Miranda & Jo 2016 Dan & Tim 2017 Sarah & Woo 2018 Stephan 2019 Mark 2022 Guro, Chris, Kamil and Giles 2023 Colin and Jeremy 2024 - [Photo albums](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/photo-albums/) - LIVERPOOL ZEN CENTRE The sangha house at Blackburne Terrace, 2007 Building the new zendo, 2009 10th Anniversary party, 2012 Making zabutans day, 2013 Sangha bike rides Hanamatsuri 2019 Visit to White Plum Teachers meeting at Yokoji 2019 CROSBY RETREATS 2007 2008 Apr 2010 Oct 2017 April 2019 & Keizan's Inka Oct 2019 April 2024 April - [Support StoneWater Zen](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/stonewater/stonewater-zen-trust/) - StoneWater Zen Sangha is entirely self-supporting and relies on the money, energy and time given by its members - local and across the UK. Members give their time freely, including Keizan Roshi. The Sangha is supported by a registered charity The StoneWater Zen Centre Trust (No. 289863) which was created to promote the understanding and practice - [Resources & Policies](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/resources/) - All content is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License we are happy for the resources to be used but not for profit and provided StoneWater is acknowledged. Preparing To Receive Jukai Here are some reading materials to help you if you decide to receive Jukai. Download Dogen’s Instructions on the Precepts (Kyōjukaimon) - [Newsletter Archive](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/newsletter-archive/) - 2015 August 15 Theme: Sangha October 15 Theme: Our roots and lineage 2016 January 16 Theme: Practice in daily life April 16 Theme: Beginning practice July 16 Theme: Benefits of practice October 16 Theme: Our inspirations 2017 January 17 Theme: Zen in daily life / My daily life in zen April 17 Theme: - [Jukai ceremonies](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/photo-albums/jukai-ceremonies/) - Jukai is the ceremony of receiving the Precepts, as explained here. 2007 Suzy, Ron & Alari at Crosby 2008 Jim L, Jim T, Dave, & Chris at Crosby 2009 Miranda, Jenny, Libby, Paul, & Tulie at Crosby Feb 2010 Sue King, Jim Walker at SWZ Lakes Nov 2010 Keith, Joan, Martin & Linda at Liverpool - [Online Zendo Guidelines](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/online-zendo-guidelines/) - Please be open minded about the experience of online zazen. It is different - you are both alone and connected. If you can drop any feelings of separation and remain open, the more connected you will feel. These guidelines provide zendo procedures to facilitate a calm, harmonious and settled space for the benefit of everyone.Our - [Talks](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/talks/) - Podcasts - listen, download or subscribe These short talks feature varied topics, but are always relevant to Zen practice. You can choose to listen to the talks while on the site or alternatively you can download them to your computer or device, and you can subscribe to StoneWater talks on your favourite podcast player, - [Schedule (Liverpool)](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/stonewater/schedule-liverpool/) - Regular weekly meetings are held in the Liverpool StoneWater Centre as follows: Wednesday evening arrive by 6:45 pm Saturday morning arrive by 9:00 am The sessions will include regular Dharma talks and interviews with Roshi and other teachers. The Centre is located at 13, Hope Street, L1 9BQ. You can find information about StoneWater Zen - [Introduction to Zen](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/zen/) - Liverpool zendo For people who live close enough to the Liverpool zendo to attend in person we have one session a month which is open to new people to come along and try Zen practice along with us. Please contact Sōjin Sensei at sojinstonewaterzen@gmail.com for the next date. Online zendo For people who can’t attend - [Stages of Practice - Shoken, Jukai, Tokudo](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/zen/stages-of-practice/) - As we continue with Zen practice, it is common that our commitment and involvement deepen and that we wish to express this in some way. There are three ways to do this: Shoken committing to a teacher Jukai receiving the precepts Tokudo ordination as a monk Each of these is described below. There are also excerpts below of - [StoneWater Zen family group](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/test-gallery/stonewater-zen-family-group/) - Once a month on a Sunday morning, we run a family zazen session in the zendo on Hope Street. This informal meeting involves meditation, discussion, simple ceremony and a variety of mindfulness and Buddhist themed craft activities. The session is open to adults and children of all ages, including sangha members and those attending for - [WhatsApp Group](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/whatsapp-group/) - The StoneWater Zen Sangha has a WhatsApp sitting group. Anyone who has WhatsApp on their phone can join in and let others know via a written message when and for how long they are going to sit. If you get lucky you will get a reply from another person on the group that has time - [Shuso Hossen](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/photo-albums/shuso-hossen/) - Shuso Hossen is a ceremonial rite-of-passage marking a student's transition to a Senior which takes place at the end of a period of intensive residential training. At shuso hossen a student gives their first dharma talk and their understanding is tested by the sangha in a ceremony of challenge and questions known as dharma combat. - [Retreat Centres](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/zen/retreat-centres/) - We hold regular retreats throughout the year. There are two at Crosby Hall and smaller ones at our retreat centre in the Lake District. For details of our forthcoming retreats click retreat dates. Crosby Hall Twice a year we hold retreats at Crosby Hall in Little Crosby, Merseyside. It is a fifteenth century manor house within - [About Retreats](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/about-retreats/) - Meditation, or zazen, is the bedrock of Zen practice and most of us try and find the time to sit (i.e. meditate) at home most days or even every day. Most of us in the StoneWater Zen sangha - including the monks and even our teacher, Keizan Roshi - are lay practitioners: we are ordinary - [Suppliers](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/resources/suppliers/) - This is a list of recommended suppliers used by the sangha: Libby Mackay's Craft Studio and Shop for zafus, zabutans and all things material and crafts Contact: libbymackay875@gmail.com Libby is a sangha member in Liverpool who makes robes and meditation supplies. Blue Banyan Blue Banyan is a commercial supplier of meditation mats, cushions and stools - [Meditation](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/zen/meditation/) - Although there are many books and also apps which describe how to meditate, Zen practice is easier to learn alongside others doing the practice with you. Our page Introduction to Zen tells you how you can begin sitting with StoneWater Zen either in person or online. The information on this page is to supplement and - [White Plum Asanga](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/stonewater/white-plum-asanga/) - Keizan Roshi is a teacher within the White Plum lineage established by Taizan Maezumi Roshi. In 2014 Keizan Roshi was nominated and elected as a full board member of White Plum Asanga and is acting representative for Europe including the UK. Taizan Maezumi Maezumi Roshi (1931-1995) was one of the great pioneers of modern Zen, - [Contact](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/contact/) - If you would like to get in touch us with a query or for further information please complete the contact form below. To subscribe to our newsletter, and to receive occasional updates regarding retreats and other matters, please complete the Signup form at the foot of this page. To make sure that our newsletters do - [Reopening: A Message from Keizan Roshi](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/reopening-message-keizan-roshi-may-2021/) - 14thMay 2021 Dear Fellow Practitioners, First of all my best wishes for everyone's health and well being and secondly thanks to all of you who have helped support Stonewater Zen Sangha, financially, administratively and just with your presence through this difficult time. On the plus side, our busy Zoom schedule has been a great success - [Sutra Book](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/resources/sutra-book/) - These are the sutras and the chants (or gathas) that we use in our Online Zendo during our usual weekly schedule and during online retreats. Download Sutra Book - [Service Book](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/resources/service-book/) - This is the service book used at our services in Liverpool and at our retreats. Becoming familiar with it will help you appreciate the services without becoming too distracted. Remember to ‘chant with your ears’. Download the Service Book - [Other Classes](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/stonewater/swz-centre/) - All classes are suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic. StoneWater Zen Centre Liverpool Formerly known as The Dojo, StoneWater Zen Centre is a large studio space (100m2) and a meditation room located on the top floor at 13 Hope Street, (near the Everyman Theatre) in the Georgian centre of Liverpool. In addition to the StoneWater Zen - [Zazenkai in Liverpool](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/zen/zazenkai/) - All Saturday classes are suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic. Zazenkai, or a day of Zen practice, provides the opportunity to deepen and intensify practice in a way not available to us in our usual daily meditation schedule. Zazenkai are led by monks and experienced practioners from the StoneWater sangha In Liverpool we sit every Saturday - [StoneWater Local Groups](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/photo-albums/stonewater-local-groups/) - London 2019 Hanamatsuri Aberystwyth - [StoneWater](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/stonewater/) - StoneWater Zen Sangha is a Zen Buddhist organisation in the lineage of Taizan Maezumi Roshi. It has a traditional, authentic lineage and has been established in Liverpool for over twenty years. The Sangha is growing and there are groups across the UK. The group is led by Dr David Keizan Scott Roshi and is affiliated to - [Jukai November 2010](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/jukai-november-2010/) - Keith, Linda, Joan & Martie's Jukai ceremony at The Dojo in Liverpool (some images a bit blurry) [wpsgallery] - [Working with a Teacher](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/working-with-a-teacher/) - Working with a teacher A central feature of Zen training is working with a teacher. This model of training arises from the earliest days of Buddhism when Shakyamuni founded and led a community of hundreds of monks and lay people, who came to hear his teaching and to meet and talk with him face to - [About Zen](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/about-zen/) - Zen is a school of Mahayana Buddhism that originated in China during the Tang dynasty (7th - 10th century). Mahayana, meaning ‘Great Vehicle’ in Sanskrit, refers to the path of seeking complete enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings. Mahayana Buddhism, which includes Tibetan Buddhism as well as the various schools of Zen, teaches - [Liverpool Zen Centre](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/test-gallery/) - Other photos from Liverpool can be found in the galleries for Jukai and Shuso ceremonies. The sangha house at Blackburne Terrace, 2007 Building the new zendo, 2009 10th Anniversary party, 2012 Making zabutans day, 2013 Sangha bike rides Hanamatsuri 2019 Visit to White Plum Teachers meeting at Yokoji 2019 - [Koan Practice](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/zen/koan-practice/) - The koan system is a unique and traditional teaching method of Zen Buddhism. It is emphasised most within the Rinzai lineage but is also used in the Soto school. A koan derives from actual encounters, usually (but not always) between accomplished Zen masters and their students. Successive generations of teachers have related these encounters to - [Recommended Reading](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/resources/recommended-reading/) - For a tradition that supposedly has “no dependence on words and letters” (as Bodhidharma is reputed to have said), there’s been an awful lot written about Zen! No list can ever be complete, but perhaps this list will get you started. StoneWater Zen Centre maintains a great library for group members. Book donations are always - [Shikantaza](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/shikantaza/) - There are several techniques that we use in our meditation practice, including counting breaths or being with the breath, and koan practice. And a very important practice used in the Soto school is Shikantaza. Here, Keizan Roshi describes Shikantaza and it is is also worth listening to his talk given on 15 November 2017 in - [Big Mind](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/big-mind/) - Keizan Roshi is a certified and experienced Big Mind facilitator. He has led many groups in the past and if you would like Roshi to lead a group for you, this can be arranged. The Big Mind technique comes out of both Western psychotherapy and the Eastern Zen tradition, a twenty-six hundred year old teaching - [Retreat Etiquette](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/zen/retreat-etiquette/) - Newcomers and lay retreat etiquette To make your retreat beneficial and enjoyable, here are the basic, important things for you to know about our main retreats at Crosby. What to bring There are no big dinner parties on the retreat so formal clothes may be something you won’t need. Apart from the usual basic washing - [Glossary](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/resources/glossary/) - In the Zendo Ino:service and chant leaderDoan:timekeeper and bell ringerJisha:Sensei's assistantZazen:seated meditationKinhin:walking meditation; can be fast or slowRakusu:a garment worn around the neck of Zen Buddhists who have received the precepts. It is made of strips of cloth, sewn together into a rice field like pattern by the student themselves during their period of preparation - [Form Guide](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/resources/form-guide-2/) - This is our form, the way we do things. The form we use is not right or wrong or better or worse than other forms, it is just what we do. By following the same procedures day after day and giving each action our full attention and care we can develop a way of being ## Status - [Summer closure](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/status/summer-closure/) - The Liverpool zendo is now closed until September - [Sesshin](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/status/rohatsu/) - Booking now open for Summer Training Period ## Galleries - [Tokudo April 2025](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/tokudo-april-2025/) - [April 25 Sesshin](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/april-25-sesshin/) - [April 26 Sesshin](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/april-26-sesshin/) - [Tokudo April 2026](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/7090/) - [December 2025 Roxanne at Liverpool](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/december-2025-roxanne-at-liverpool/) - [Jukai, May 2025, Alan and Jeanette at Liverpool](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/jukai-may-2025-alan-and-jeanette-at-liverpool/) - [Jukai, July 2025, Fell End, Bryar, Charlie, Kayleigh, Marius, Matt and Rich](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/jukai-july-2025-fell-end-bryar-charlie-kayleigh-marius-matt-and-rich/) - [Autumn Training Period 2024 - The Lakes](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/autumn-training-period-2024-the-lakes/) - [Summer training period 2024](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/summer-training-period-2024/) - [Jukai November 2024](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/jukai-november-2024/) - [Shuso Hossen Ceremony August 24](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/shuso-hosen-ceremony-august-24/) - [Summer training period 2023](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/summer-training-period-2023/) - [Lakes sesshins April 2023](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/lakes-sesshins-april-2023/) - [Shukke Tokudo 2024](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/shukke-tokudo-2024/) - [Crosby Sesshin April 2024](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/crosby-sesshin-april-2024/) - [Shuso Hossen 2023](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/shuso-hossen-2023/) - [Jukai Liverpool February 2024](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/jukai-liverpool-february-2024/) - [Jukai - November 2023](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/jukai-november-2023/) - [Tokudo - Colin and Jeremy at the Lakes April 2023](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/tokudo-colin-and-jeremy-at-the-lakes-april-2023/) - [Constantine, Daniel, Martin, Phil and Vince - The Lakes March 2023](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/constantine-daniel-martin-phil-and-vince-the-lakes-march-2023/) - [Josie, Lynn, Robert and Matt April 2021](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/josie-lynn-robert-and-matt-april-2021/) - [Rosie and Zaza June 2018](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/rosie-and-zaza-june-2018/) - [Sheila, Roisin, Mark and Ted at Hayes, January 2023](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/sheila-roisin-mark-and-ted-at-hayes-january-2023/) - [Shuso hossen 2022](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/shuso-hossen-2022/) - [Fell End work in progress](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/fell-end-work-in-progress/) - [For Guro's post](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/for-guros-post/) - [2022-04 Crosby Sesshin](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/2022-04-crosby-sesshin/) - [2022 Tokudo - Guro, Chris, Kamil and Giles](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/2022-tokudo-guro-chris-kamil-and-giles/) - [Dorinda Genju, Shuso 2021](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/dorinda-genju-shuso-2021/) - [Sangha bike rides](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/sangha-bike-rides/) - [Liverpool - Building the Zendo, 2009](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/liverpool-building-the-zendo-2009/) - [Blackburne Terrace, Liverpool 2007](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/blackburne-terrace-liverpool-2007/) - [Stephan's Tokudo 2018](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/stephans-tokudo-2018/) - [Karen Shoji, Shuso 2019](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/karen-shoji-shuso-2019/) - [Tokudo Mark 2019 at Lakes](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/tokudo-mark-2019-at-lakes/) - [2019 Jukai Lorena & Paul](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/2019-jukai-lorena-paul/) - [Lakes Jan 2020](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/lakes-jan-2020/) - [Lakes Aug 2019](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/lakes-aug-2019/) - [Crosby Oct 2019](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/crosby-oct-2019/) - [White Plum Meeting at Yokoji June 2019](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/white-plum-meeting-at-yokoji-june-2019/) - [Hanamatsuri 2019](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/hanamatsuri-2019/) - [April 2019 Crosby retreat & Inka](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/april-2019-crosby-retreat-inka/) - [Shuso Hossen 2018 - Keith Shingo](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/shuso-hossen-2018-keith-shingo/) - [Aug 2018 Samu week](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/aug-2018-samu-week/) - [Dec 2016 Paul & Clive](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/dec-2016-paul-clive/) - [Rohatsu 2013](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/rohatsu-2013/) - [2013 August](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/2013-august/) - [2013 Sep Colin, Jo, Neil, Maurice, Giles & Tim at Liverpool](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/2013-sep-colin-jo-neil-maurice-giles-tim-jukai-at-liverpool/) - [2016 Dan & Tim](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/aug-2016-dan-tim/) - [2014 Suzanne, Keith & Sue tokudo at Crosby](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/2014-suzanne-keith-sue-tokudo-at-crosby/) - [Oct 2017](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/oct-2017/) - [April 2010](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/april-2010/) - [2009 Jukai - Miranda, Jenny, Libby, Paul, Tulie](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/2009-jukai-miranda-jenny-libby-paul-tulie/) - [2016 Miranda & Jo](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/2016-miranda-jo/) - [Liverpool Zen Centre Zabutan Day 2013](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/liverpool-zen-centre-zabutan-day-2013/) - [Liverpool Zen Centre 10th anniversary, 2012](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/liverpool-zen-centre-10th-anniversary-2012/) - [Oct 2017 Sarah, Woo tokudo](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/oct-2017-sarah-woo-tokudo/) - [Jun 2017 Margaretta jukai](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/jun-2017-margaretta-jukai/) - [Nov 2015 Kamil, Sarah, Stuart & Woo jukai](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/nov-2015-kamil-sarah-stuart-woo-jukai/) - [2011 Alasdair, Andy, Ron tokudo](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/2011-alasdair-andy-ron-tokudo/) - [Apr 2010 Crosby](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/apr-2010-crosby/) - [April 2010 Tony tokudo](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/april-2010-tony-tokudo/) - [Nov 10 Keith, Joan, Martin & Linda jukai](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/nov-10-keith-joan-martin-linda-jukai/) - [2012 JukaI - Steve, Jan & Jason](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/2012-jukai-steve-jan-jason/) - [Tokudo 2009 John, Paul](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/tokudo-2009-john-paul/) - [2008](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/2008/) - [2007](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/2007/) - [Samu week 2016](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/samu-week-2016/) - [Samu week 2014](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/samu-week-2014/) - [SWZ Lakes Rohatsu 2012](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/swz-lakes-rohatsu-2012/) - [SWZ Lakes 2011 Samu week](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/swz-lakes-2011-samu-week/) - [SWZ Lakes 2010](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/swz-lakes-2010/) - [SWZ Lakes Feb 2007](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/swz-lakes-feb-2007/) - [Shuso hossen 2017 - Alasdair Taisen](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/shuso-hossen-2017-alasdair-taisen/) - [Shuso hossen 2013 - John Suigen](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/shuso-hossen-2013-john-suigen/) - [Shuso hossen 2016 - Tony Shinro](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/shuso-hossen-2016-tony-shinro/) - [Shuso hossen 2014 - Andrew Tanzan](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/shuso-hossen-2014-andrew-tanzan/) - [Keith's Yokoji sketches](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/keiths-yokoji-sketches/) - [Some of the modern female dharma holders](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/some-of-the-modern-female-dharma-holders/) - [Modern female dharma holders](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/modern-female-dharma-holders-2/) - [Modern female dharma holders](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/envira/modern-female-dharma-holders/) ## Episode - ['Retreatants' by Stuart Hollyoak](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/podcast/retreatants-by-stuart-hollyoak/) - In August 2015 I spent 5 days in Keizan Sensei's home in the Lake District for the annual lakes retreat. I went simply because I wished to go. I brought no expectations of satori or kensho as I thought it would take years before I'd even catch a sliver of either, if at all. But, - [Three things... (Feb 2013)](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/podcast/three-things/) - [Why do we practice? (21 May 2013)](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/podcast/why-do-we-practice/) - [Getting old (March 2012)](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/podcast/getting-old/) - [Practice (October 2012)](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/podcast/practice/) - [Regrets (March 2012)](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/podcast/regrets/) - [What practice is (October 2012)](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/podcast/what-practice-is/) - [Follow your nature and accord with the way](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/podcast/follow-your-nature-and-accord-with-the-way/) - Follow your nature and accord with the way. Saunter along and stop worrying. A Dharma talk from Ken Jones on the first day of the Easter sesshin 2013. - [The Inexhaustible Lion's Roar](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/podcast/the-inexhaustible-lions-roar/) - A tiny clip from a Shuso Hossen ceremony... - ["Mary and her soul" - Gordon's song](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/podcast/mary-and-her-soul-gordons-song/) - The song Gordon sang for us in at the end of a dharma talk by Sensei in April 2013. inspired by the old koan of "Seijo and her Soul", updated and folk-ified - Sensei's talk was on this koan. ## Categories - [General](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/category/general/) - [Zen in daily life](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/category/zen-in-daily-life/) - [Zazen / Meditation](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/category/zazen-meditation/) - [Beginning Zen](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/category/beginning-zen/) - [Benefits of practice](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/category/benefits-of-practice/) - [Book reviews](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/category/book-reviews/) - [Jukai / Precepts](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/category/jukai-precepts/) - [Koans](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/category/koans/) - [Lineage](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/category/lineage/) - [Liturgy & Study](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/category/liturgy-study/) - [Liverpool centre](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/category/liverpool-centre/) - [Local Groups](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/category/local-groups/) - [Mindfulness](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/category/mindfulness/) - [People](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/category/people/) - [Poems](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/category/poems/) - [Retreats](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/category/retreats/) - [Shuso Hossen](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/category/shuso-hossen/) - [Spiritual life](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/category/spiritual-life/) - [Temples & Zen Centres](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/category/temples-zen-centres/) - [Tokudo / Ordination](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/category/tokudo-ordination/) - [Working with a Teacher](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/category/working-with-a-teacher/) - [Zen & the internet](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/category/zen-the-internet/) - [Personal reflection](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/category/personal-reflection/) - [Memorial](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/category/memorial/) ## Podcasts - [Dharma Talks by Keizan Sensei at StoneWater Zen Centre Liverpool](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/series/dharma-talks-by-keizan-sensei-at-stonewater-zen-centre-liverpool/) - [Dharma Talks by Keizan Sensei at Crosby Hall](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/series/dharma-talks-by-keizan-sensei-at-crosby-hall/) - [Dharma Talks by Ken Jones at Crosby Hall](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/series/dharma-talks-by-ken-jones-at-crosby-hall/) - [Miscellaneous](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/series/miscellaneous/) - [StoneWater Zen Centre](https://www.stonewaterzen.org/series/stonewater-zen-centre/)